FIFA, the apex football body suspended the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect citing "undue influence" from third parties. The decision was taken unanimously by the Bureau of the FIFA Council, reported news agency ANI.
"The Bureau of the FIFA Council has unanimously decided to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with immediate effect due to undue influence from third parties, which constitutes a serious violation of the FIFA Statutes," FIFA said in a statement Tuesday, as reported by ANI.
"The suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF's daily affairs," the statement added.
Due to the suspension of AIFF by FIFA , the U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 that was scheduled to take place in India in October has taken a big hit. The global football governing body in its statement, said India ‘cannot’ host the tournament at the moment.
"The suspension means that the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022, scheduled to take place in India on 11-30 October 2022, cannot currently be held in India as planned," the statement added.
FIFA in its statement also said it is assessing its next step and is in constant contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful of an outcome soon.
“FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved,” FIFA said in its statement as reported by ANI.