ന്യൂഡൽഹി: Indian football received a boost as the Supreme Court approved the new constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This decision puts an end to long-standing legal disputes and uncertainties. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Narsimha and A.S. Chandurkar. The court instructed the AIFF to approve the new constitution within four weeks, clarifying that no elections are needed this year and that elections will be held only in 2026.
With this decision, the current AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and his executive committee will be able to complete their term.
The new constitution, prepared under the guidance of former Justice L. Nageshwara Rao and supervised by the court, aims to ensure transparency in the governance of Indian football. It includes provisions to set age limits and terms for office-bearers, ensure transparent operations, and establish mechanisms for the removal of officials.
This ruling arrives at a crucial time. It will help lift FIFA’s restrictions and open up discussions regarding tournaments like the Indian Super League (ISL) and other commercial contracts.