Internet Desk: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials are in a dilemma following the Delhi High Court order. The Honourable High Court of Delhi, on Tuesday, passed the order to set aside the election of Praful Patel as the President of AIFF as it violated the National Sports Code. The court order also called for fresh elections within five months. Dr. S.Y. Quraishi was appointed as the administrator and the returning office to oversee the fresh elections. The Hon’ble High Court also directed the AIFF to amend the Constitution to make it compliant with the National Sports Code.
Meanwhile the Federation officials are tight lipped as the matter is subjudice. The AIFF general secretary Kushal Das had an informal meeting with Mr Peraful Patel. The Federation is yet to receive a copy of the order until Wednesday. With the last date for filling the nomination for the FIFA U20 World Cup on November 25, it is not sure who will take the final call. Moreover, the Indian Super League (ISL) will also kick start from November 17 at the Salt Lake Stadium.
The I League is also scheduled to start from the third week this month but Tuesday’s incident has left the clubs in the dark about the future.
I-League is still the officially-recognized league of India and is meant to be the qualifier for India’s solitary slot to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League.
According to Minerva Punjab FC owner Ranjit Bajaj, “I League clubs are bound to suffer compared to the ISL clubs. The Indian Super League is not run by the AIFF but IMG-R. As long as the order does not affect football in the country, I am happy. But my biggest concerns is whether the grassroots will suffer or not.”
Mohun Bagan finance secretary Debasish Datta too voiced his concern over the issue. According to Debasish, “I hope the I League will start in due course. We were asked by the Federation to give a tentative date for the start of the league but were told that the host broadcaster will take the final call.”