More role for players in the new All India Football Federation draft

Committee of Administrators (CoA) for the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) constitution draft are taken up for consideration. On Saturday, a seven-member panel representing the 36 member states of the AIFF met in person with the three-member CoA comprising ex-Supreme Court judge, AR Dave and ex-India captain, Bhaskar Ganguly, in the Capital. Dr SY Quraishi attended the meeting virtually.

Chief among the suggestions made revolved around the representation of former eminent Indian footballers in the game’s administration, in accordance to the National Sports Code. The AIFF constitution draft has suggested a 33% player representation in the AIFF Executive Committee, but the members felt that a 24% representation was a fair allotment in the 24-member ExCo, amounting to 6 former players (4 men and 2 women). While the draft mooted voting rights for the players as under individual voting rights, the members suggested that a nomination via the Players’ Commission was the best way out.

As it stands currently, the criteria for eminent players is 15 international matches played. Yet, it was also felt that many states would not boast of an international footballer. As a solution, nominating a player each through the five zones of the AIFF was seen as the best mechanism forward.

A former footballer could come elected through his state association. While the CoA suggested that players be part of the AIFF judicial committee etc, citing a possible conflict of interest. It was also felt that former footballers could be utilized in the various technical committees of the AIFF.