Bhaichung Bhutia urges SC to finalise draft constitution of AIFF

The central government last week got the case adjourned saying it is having talks with FIFA on withdrawing the suspension.

Former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia moved the Supreme Court on Sunday supporting the new Constitution for the All India Football Federation or AIFF and the 36-member electoral college of eminent players.

The ace football player urged the top court to finalise the draft Constitution, as put up by the committee of administrators or CoA before a bench, headed by Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, and allow the election under the modified norms to conclude.

The bench will hear the case today amid the threat of India losing the hosting rights for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup following the suspension of the AIFF by FIFA over “undue influence from third parties”.

The central government last week got the case adjourned saying it is having talks with FIFA on withdrawing the suspension.

The application added that the court order of August 3 directing that the General Body of AIFF should comprise the 36-member electoral college of eminent players must be given its full effect.

Bhutia said that he completely endorses the suggestion of the CoA to give adequate representation to former football players in AIFF’s administration and functioning.

He urged the top court to let the AIFF election conclude as per the August 3 order of the court. Bhutia noted that the existing electoral system was undemocratic, exclusionary, and deficient.

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