FIFA lifts ban on AIFF, U17 Women's World Cup to go as planned

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had recently suffered two massive blows. They were banned by FIFA which is why their hopes of hosting the upcoming Women's U17 World Cup was in disarray. The ban on the Indian Football Federation was imposed after the World Body found out that the AIFF is being run by Court appointed administrators (COA).

The World Body had reasoned that the ban was imposed as their constitution doesn't allow for any third-party involvement in the daily affairs of any national football body. Now, FIFA has decided to lift the ban as they have been assured that the AIFF has regained its administrative control. The statement also says that the upcoming Women's colts event will go as per plan.

"The Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to lift the suspension that was imposed on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to undue third-party influence," FIFA said in a statement.

"The decision was taken after FIFA received confirmation that the mandate of the committee of administrators that was set up to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee had been terminated and that the AIFF administration had regained full control of the AIFF's daily affairs.

"As a consequence, the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 scheduled to take place on 11-30 October 2022 will be held in India as planned," the statement further said.

AIFF requested FIFA to lift the ban

AIFF acting general secretary Sunando Dhar wrote a letter to FIFA to assure them that his organization has regained administrative control. This happened before the ban was lifted.

"It is with immense pleasure that we inform you that the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India took up our matter and vide order dated 22.08.2022 was pleased to pass directions regarding the full repeal of the CoA mandate and consequently the AIFF having full charge of the AIFF's daily affairs," Dhar wrote in the letter.

"In view of the above, we request the FIFA and especially the Bureau to reconsider their decision of suspending the AIFF.

"Since the conditions set out in your Letter for lifting of the suspension stand satisfied, we request that a order to that effect be passed at the earliest for the AIFF to continue with the smooth running of football in India," the letter further stated.