Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Tuesday called FIFA’s decision to ban Indian football “very harsh” but also saw it as an opportunity to fix the sport in the country. India has been suspended by world governing body FIFA for “undue third party influence”, threatening the country’s prospects of hosting the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, scheduled for October 11-30. “Very unfortunate that FIFA has banned Indian football and at the same time I feel it is a very tough decision by FIFA to ban Indian football,” said Bhutia, one of the icons of the sport in the country.
“But at the same time, I feel this is a great opportunity for us to get our system in order. It is very important that all the stakeholders – federations, state associations, come together and get the system in order and all work for the betterment of Indian football,” the Sikkimese added sniper. FIFA said the suspension was effective immediately and that the offense constituted a serious breach of FIFA’s statutes. This is the first time that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been banned by FIFA in its 85-year history.
The AIFF ran into trouble after former president Praful Patel remained in office after his term expired, with the Supreme Court ruling that it was invalid and removing him from office. The DV placed the AIFF under the Committee of Administrators (CoA).A FIFA-AFC team visited the country from June 21 to 23, after which the world body set strict deadlines for the approval of the new constitution by July 31 and the holding of elections by September 15.
Former India star Shabbir Ali called it extremely unfortunate and a massive setback for Indian football. “Whatever has happened is extremely unfortunate and a setback for Indian football. That said, I hope the suspension will be lifted sooner rather than later once the elections are held, which FIFA has also categorically mentioned,” he said. “The U-17 Women’s World Cup should be held in India and I am optimistic that everything will go well and India will not be robbed of an exhibition event,” added awardee Dhyan Chand, who was one of India’s best players. 1970s and 1980s.
However, FIFA has not ruled out all options for India as it said it is in talks with the sports ministry and hopes for a positive outcome for the women’s age-group showpiece. Former player Mehtab Hossain blamed those who ran football in the country for the failure. “The former officials as well as the CoA should be blamed squarely for this fiasco. When FIFA ordered officials to conduct elections as soon as possible and put the house in order, what were we waiting for? We took our own sweet time and now we have to pay the ultimate price,” Mehtab said. “Neither the former bosses nor anyone from the CoA will suffer now. It is the players, the fans, who will get hit hard. It is a huge blow for Indian football,” he added.
