The All India Football Federation (AIFF) adopted its revised constitution before the October 31 deadline, excluding two controversial clauses still under Supreme Court review.
The constitution, originally drafted by former judge L. Nageswara Rao, received Supreme Court approval with modifications. AIFF held a Special General Body Meeting to finalize the adoption. Out of 32 voting members, 29 supported the move. FIFA and AFC officials attended the meeting.
Article 23.3 requires Supreme Court approval for any constitutional amendment. This clause risks triggering FIFA’s third-party interference rule, which could lead to India’s suspension from international football.
Clause (c) of Article 25.3 mandates that Executive Committee members holding dual roles in State Associations must vacate one position. This affects 12 of the current 16 ExCo members.
AIFF shared the adopted constitution with stakeholders, excluding the two clauses. The Supreme Court bench led by Justice P. S. Narasimha and Justice A. S. Chandurkar plans to consult Justice Joymalya Bagchi and issue a clarification next week.
AIFF faces pressure to comply with FIFA’s governance standards while respecting India’s legal framework. The federation awaits the court’s final word on the disputed clauses.
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