FIFA threatens to snatch World Cup hosting from India
FIFA, the apex body of world football, has threatened to ban the All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to third-party influence and snatch the hosting of the Women’s U-17 World Cup to be held in October. FIFA has taken this step after the Supreme Court gave instructions a few days ago regarding the conduct of the FIFF elections.
The Supreme Court had three days ago directed the executive committee of AIFF to conduct elections as per the schedule decided by the committee of administrators. The Committee of Administrators is currently running the AIFF. Meanwhile, Union Minister Anurag Thakur released the tickets for the tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Friday. India is to host the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup from October 11. The elections will be held on August 28.
FIFA said that the decision was taken only after analyzing
“We request the AIFF to provide us an official copy of the Supreme Court’s decision of August 3, 2022, by 5 pm IST on August 9, 2022,” FIFA said in a letter to AIFF Acting Secretary General Sunando Dhar.
“Once the document is received and after a thorough analysis, we will send it to the decision-making body in accordance with the laws of FIFA,” the letter said. Possible decisions include suspension of AIFF and withdrawal of hosting rights to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in India.
FIFA said Against third party interference
FIFA stated that it is against any third party interference in the operation of its member units. “In this context, we would like to remind the AIFF of the statutory obligations applicable to FIFA and to the AFC member associations,” FIFA said.