A problem for the football system
The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has banned the Indian Football Federation (FIFA) alleging undue third-party interference. As a result, the Junior Women’s World Cup (Under 17) cannot be held in India in October. In an attempt to preserve this prestigious competition, the Supreme Court issued a swift order to dissolve the three-member committee headed by former judge A.R. Dev, who managed the Indian Football Federation, as requested by the central government. Also the voting rights given to 36 ex-players in the Football Federation of India executive elections were revoked. Also the responsibility of managing the Football Federation of India was handed back to the administrators.
Due to this, the court also directed to postpone the election by a week as some procedures had to be changed in the administration elections scheduled to be held on 28th.
Election of administrators
In this situation, the Election Officer Umesh Sinha announced yesterday that the Election of Football Federation of India will be held on the 2nd of next month (September). Nomination can be filed from 25th to 27th. Nominations will be considered on 28th. 30-date shortlist will be published. Elections will be held at the Football Federation of India headquarters in Delhi on 2nd. The election results will be announced that day or the next day.
According to the new order, 36 ex-players and women players who have already been selected will not be able to vote. Football administrators from the 36 states and union territories under the Football Federation of India are eligible to vote.
Earlier, former captain of the Indian football team Paichung Bhutia had filed for the post of president on the basis of being the best player. It is no longer valid. He can apply through his state football organization if he wants.
Request to remove the ban
In the meantime, in a letter written to the International Football Association General Secretary Padma Samora, the Secretary of the Indian Football Federation, Sunanda Dhar, said, ‘As per the Supreme Court order, the 3-member committee has been dissolved and the authority to look after the day-to-day affairs of the Indian Football Federation has been given to its executives. Therefore, I request the Football Federation of India to consider lifting the ban.”