‘Hard decision by FIFA’: Bhaichung Bhutia on AIFF suspension

Former Indian Football Team Captain Bhaichung Bhutia has reacted to the suspension of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Bhaichung called the suspension unfortunate and a harsh decision taken by FIFA, however, he added, this is an opportunity for Indian Football to get the system right and strive forward towards improving the system.

It needs to be mentioned here that AIFF has included Bhaichung Bhutia in the list of voters comprising the electoral college for the general body elections, which are to be held on August 28.

And with half of the electoral college made up of former players, some of the ex-India international players feel that the legendary Bhaichung Bhutia should contest the polls for the post of president.

Meanwhile, the apex football body has announced that the Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation or AIFF with immediate effect. FIFA informed that the decision was taken due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statute.

FIFA has also stripped India of its hosting of the U-17 Women’s World Cup and suspended Indian Football with immediate effect. It means Indian National Football Team will not be able to play any international games until the ban is removed.

FIFA also said that the suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.

The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India between October 11 and October 30, 2022, cannot be held in India as planned.

FIFA is also assessing the next steps with regard to the tournament and will refer the matter to the Bureau of the Council if and when necessary.

Lastly, FIFA said the body is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved.

The suspension means Indian National Teams cannot play any junior or senior international games across the two genders during the ban. Indian clubs cannot participate in AFC Women Club Championship, AFC Cup, and AFC Champions League competitions.