The All India Football Federation (AIFF) faces possible FIFA suspension over “third-party interference” unless it finalizes a revised constitution by 30th August.
FIFA reportedly sent a strongly-worded letter to the AIFF, reminding the Indian body of its “obligation to manage its affairs independently and without any undue third-party influence, including government bodies.”
A hearing in the Honorable Supreme Court is scheduled for Thursday, August 28. Before that date, FIFA has asked the AIFF to secure a definitive ruling that approves the AIFF constitution. The Indian body has also been instructed to align its constitution with FIFA and AFC statutes and regulations, without exception, all before the August 30 FIFA deadline.
“This prolonged impasse has precipitated a governance and operational crisis. Clubs and players remain uncertain regarding the domestic competition calendar; commercial partnerships beyond December 2025 remain unconfirmed; and essential functions relating to development, competitions, and marketing are increasingly compromised. The resulting lack of financial stability has had a profoundly negative impact on India’s football ecosystem, particularly affecting footballers employed by clubs participating in the Indian Super League (ISL), which is organized under the auspices of the AIFF,” read the letter sent to the AIFF, according to the Indian Express.
The deadlock between the AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) caused a delay in finalizing the Indian Super League schedule for the 2025-26 season. Both organizations are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, August 28, aiming to resolve this matter ahead of FIFA’s August 30 deadline.
