The Supreme Court of India has given its approval to the draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), paving the way for significant governance reforms and smoother operations within Indian football. This decision, delivered by a bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymala Bagchi, marks the end of prolonged legal uncertainty that has surrounded the AIFF and its operations. The court has directed the AIFF to convene a general body meeting within four weeks to adopt the new constitution, incorporating certain modifications suggested by the court.
The approved draft constitution, prepared under the guidance of retired Justice L. Nageswara Rao, aims to align the AIFF's governance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the requirements of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Key features of the new constitution include capping the tenure of office bearers at 12 years, mandating a four-year cooling-off period after eight years in office, and setting the upper age limit at 70. The executive committee will consist of 14 members, including a president, two vice-presidents (one of whom must be a woman), a treasurer, and ten other members, with five of these members being eminent players, including at least two women. The court approved an AIFF amendment to increase vice-presidents to three, including one woman.
The court has also ruled out fresh elections for the AIFF, allowing the current executive committee, led by President Kalyan Chaubey, to complete its term until September 2026. This decision provides much-needed clarity and stability to the AIFF's administration. The Supreme Court has been monitoring the AIFF's management and the conduct of national-level football tournaments and leagues since 2017. The court has expressed its hope that the new constitution will bring about institutional changes in Indian football and elevate the sport to greater heights.
The new constitution introduces a promotion and relegation system, aligning Indian football with global standards. It also mandates that the top-tier league be owned and operated directly by the AIFF. The court has clarified the eligibility criteria for "eminent players" in the general body, reducing the requirement to five international matches for men and two for women. This modification aims to ensure a wider pool of participants and involve retired players in administration and guidance roles.
The Supreme Court has restricted future amendments to the constitution, requiring the court's approval for any changes. This measure contrasts with FIFA's stance, which insists on the AIFF's autonomy to amend its constitution as needed. The court's intervention was crucial in averting a potential suspension from FIFA, which had warned against third-party interference. AIFF Secretary General M. Satyanarayan welcomed the decision, stating that "the winner is Indian football". The court's decision also lifts the embargo on AIFF entering into any binding contracts, which was in place until the constitution was finalized. This allows the AIFF to sort out its operations, seal commercial deals, and push forward much-needed governance reforms.
