Internet Desk: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been instructed by FIFA to solve the recent crisis without any political or legal interference. The global soccer body is keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding Indian football.
“We have been told by FIFA to solve the recent crisis independently without any political and legal interference,” said AIFF general secretary Kushal Das to xtratime.in
He added, “”FIFA has reminded us that member associations, including the AIFF, are obliged to manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.”
The guidelines of FIFA states that member federations must be free from legal and political interference in their respective countries and the world governing body has suspended other national associations in the past in similar cases.
The Delhi High Court ruling on Tuesday nullified the AIFF’s most recent presidential election and ordered a re-election within 5 months under the observation of country’s former election commission chief S.Y. Quraishi.
The AIFF on Saturday received a copy of the order and is taking legal opinion on the future course of action.
“We have received the order of the Delhi High Court. We are already in discussion with our legal counsel and will take a decision by next week on the next step forward,” said Kushal Das.
The AIFF election, held last December, saw Praful Patel re-elected as president. The High Court has ordered a fresh election within five months which it said must be held under rules stipulated by the national sports code.
The AIFF has said it was fully compliant with both Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports directives, as well as FIFA statutes.