F
Football – A New Kickoff – SC Resets Governance for AIFF
SC Approves AIFF Constitution to Reform Indian Football
Supreme Court Ends Monopoly in Indian Football and Champions for Transparency & Accountability
Football – Sports Governance Reforms – AIFF – New Constitution
Empowers Players and stake holders with greater voice and accountability
All India Football Federation – National Sports Federation – was formed as the governing body of association football in the country in 1937.
The Federation took eleven years for its affilliation with the global apex body FIFA.
The High Court gave various directions. However, on 10.11.2017, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the said order including directions in paragraph 22. It was directed that the Committee of Administrators would for the formulation of the Constitution of Federation as per NsC and Mode Guidelines.
On 18.5.2022, the Committee was reconstituted
On 14.8.2022, FIFA Council had taken decision to suspend AIFF from its membership.
On 2.9.2022, the newly elected Executive Committee of AIFF took charge and has been carrying the functions of the AIFF till this date.
On 2.5.2023, the task of finalising the draft constitution of AIFF was entrusted to Hon’ble Mr. Justice L. Nageswara Rao.
On 11.9.2023, the stake holders were permitted to file objections / suggestions to the report and suggested amendments of Hon’ble Judge.
In 2025, the National Sports Governance Act is promulgated.
Issues in the Draft Constitution of AIFF
Eminent Players in the General Body – yes
Eligibility Criteria for Eminent Players – Reasonable to reduce the criteria to 5 matches for men and 2 matches for women for wider pool and participation by retired players.
Definition of “Office Bearers” as President, Treasurer and Secretary.
Number of Vice Presidents – To increase the number to Three including one Woman but confining the number of Executive Committee to 15 members.
On Disqualification Event(s)
On retaining “indirect interest” in the definition of “Conflict of Interest”. The disqualificaitons based on indirect conflicts was approved by the SC in BCCI case.
On the applicability of AIFF Constitution to the State Associations and the local bodies – yes
AIFF and Third Parties – Extent of delegation of powers, functions and exploitation of rights
Promotion and Relegation in Indian Football
Applicability of principles laid down in BCCI Judgment to the present case concerning football administration.
Amendments to the AIFF Constitution and the need for the Supreme Court to retain control
Whether the current AIFF administration is a permanent or interim body.
New Constitution, once adopted will mark a new beginning for Indian Football and take the sport to greater heights.
In 2011, the Government of India issued comprehensive code amalgamating all previoous guidelines and notifications in the form of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
Judgment dated 19.9.2025 of the Supreme Court of India in SLP Nos.30748-30749 of 2011 of All India Football Federation Vs. Rahul Mehra and others
