Former players to gain voting rights as Indian football governance enters a new era
In a landmark ruling for Indian football, the Supreme Court of India has approved the new constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), setting strict eligibility rules for its office bearers. The court barred ministers and bureaucrats from holding positions, introduced a 70-year age cap, and ensured that 15 eminent players, including five women, would be part of the federation’s general body with full voting rights.
A bench of Justices P. S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi directed the AIFF to convene a special general body meeting within four weeks to adopt the draft constitution as modified by the apex court. The current governing body will remain in place until September 2026.
FIFA suspension threat averted
The ruling comes against the backdrop of FIFA’s warning that India could face suspension if the constitution was not ratified before October 30. With the new framework now in place, the AIFF is expected to adopt the constitution at a meeting scheduled for October 14 in Goa, providing much-needed stability for Indian football administration.
Key reforms in the constitution
The Supreme Court’s 78-page judgment addressed long-debated issues within Indian sports governance:
- Disqualification of politicians & bureaucrats: Ministers and government servants are barred from AIFF office, though the court clarified that public servants may participate if they obtain official permission.
- Age cap of 70 years: No office bearer may serve beyond this age.
- Inclusion of players: 15 eminent footballers, elected through a national players’ body, will have voting rights, despite resistance from state associations.
- Broader representation: Apart from state associations, the general body will include three club representatives (ISL, I-League, Indian Women’s League), as well as elected representatives from referees and coaches.
A step toward cleaner governance
Justice Narasimha, writing the judgment, emphasized that the inclusion of players aligns with FIFA statutes and the National Sports Code, dismissing concerns from state associations that former footballers would hold disproportionate voting power.
The bench also clarified that office bearers of national sports federations can still serve in the AIFF, but anyone convicted and sentenced for more than two years will be disqualified — similar to rules governing MPs and MLAs.
This ruling is expected to usher in a new era of professionalism and transparency for Indian football, moving it closer to international governance standards and empowering former players to have a decisive say in shaping the game’s future.
