April 2 – A proposed AIFF draft constitution, suggesting amendments, has been presented to India’s Supreme Court and could enable the federation to progress to fresh elections.
The draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed several changes, including the provision for the inclusion of at least five former national players in the 14-member Executive Committee and removal of the current office bearers through a no-confidence motion.
“With the new Constitution, players, referees, coaches and clubs shall find voice in the governance of the AIFF and this is hopefully the first step towards the AIFF functioning as a true pillar of sport in a representative democracy,” said Justice Rao in the status report to the draft constitution.
The Supreme Court will reportedly conclude the hearing on Wednesday.
Last summer, FIFA and the AFC wrote to the Indian governing body implying that the AIFF should amend the constitution without the court’s intervention. At the time, the AIFF responded, pointing to the legal proceeding: the matter was sub-judice. The Amicus Curiae, an impartial adviser to the court, Gopal Shankarnarayan said that the current leadership of the federation is an interim body holding office until the constitution is adopted. By Shankarnarayan’s logic, new elections at the AIFF could be imminent, which would spell bad news for AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey.
Two years ago Chaubey succeeded longstanding AIFF chairman Praful Patel after he defeated Bhaichung Bhutia comprehensively in the presidential election, winning 33 out of 34 votes.
His election came in the wake of India’s suspension from the world game by FIFA after the court-appointed Committee of Administrators wanted to change the electoral college of the AIFF. FIFA however resisted and India’s Supreme Court acquiesced to their demands.
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