India Risks Second FIFA Ban Over Constitutional Delays and League Crisis

India is facing the threat of a second suspension from world football in just three years, with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warning the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to implement a new constitution by October 30 or face sanctions.

In a joint letter to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, FIFA and the AFC expressed “profound concern” over the prolonged failure to finalise and adopt the federation’s constitution, which has been pending before India’s Supreme Court since 2017.

“Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision,” the letter stated.

“AIFF must regard this communication as binding and requiring immediate compliance in order to safeguard its rights as a member of FIFA and the AFC,” it added.

If India is suspended, its national teams and clubs would be barred from all international competitions.

This comes amid ongoing turmoil in Indian club football. The Indian Super League (ISL) is facing uncertainty due to a dispute between the AIFF and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL). The league’s new season, typically starting in September, has been delayed, leaving thousands of players and staff at risk of losing their jobs.

The rights agreement between the AIFF and FSDL is set to expire on December 8 and has not been renewed. Meanwhile, the AIFF has yet to present a concrete revival plan for the ISL.

The crisis has also drawn the attention of global players’ union FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, which raised concerns with FIFA last week.

India was previously suspended by FIFA in August 2022 due to third-party interference, after the Supreme Court appointed a committee to oversee the AIFF. That ban was lifted days later, allowing elections that brought Chaubey to power.