The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is seeking a last-minute reprieve from the Supreme Court concerning certain clauses within its newly approved draft constitution. While the federation is largely in favor of the changes designed to bring fairness, transparency, and accountability to Indian football, it has raised concerns that some provisions could run contrary to FIFA statutes, potentially leading to sanctions.
The Supreme Court approved the AIFF's draft constitution on September 19, 2025,. The court directed the AIFF to adopt the constitution within four weeks in a general body meeting. The existing Executive Committee, led by President Kalyan Chaubey, is expected to remain in office until September 2026.
However, the AIFF has approached the Supreme Court with a request to review two specific provisions. The first objection pertains to the judgment requiring the court's approval for any amendments to the AIFF constitution. The AIFF argues that this requirement infringes upon the federation's independence, as guaranteed under Article 19 of the FIFA Statutes, which stipulates that member associations must manage their affairs without undue influence from third parties. The AIFF's document states that mandating external approval for constitutional amendments contradicts this principle.
The second contentious provision prohibits members of the AIFF from simultaneously holding posts in state federations. The AIFF contends that this restriction will disrupt coordination, reduce accountability, and cause significant management problems across the federal structure. Clause (c) of Article 25.3 of the draft constitution stipulates that any Executive Committee member holding a position in a state member association must vacate their state position upon taking a role in the federation. It is expected that about 12 of the 16 elected members of the current Executive Committee will have to step down from either their national or state positions if the new charter takes effect. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey is unaffected by this clause, as he does not hold any state-level office.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the AIFF's review petition on Friday, October 10, 2025. A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and AS Chandurkar will take up the matter. The AIFF is seeking clarification on these two provisions alone.
The new constitution introduces several reforms to modernize Indian football administration. The AIFF Executive Committee will be reduced to 14 members, including a President, two Vice Presidents (one male and one female), one Treasurer, and ten members. Five of the ten members must be eminent players, including two women. The constitution sets term limits for officials, restricting them to a maximum tenure of 12 years, with a limit of two consecutive four-year terms. A no-confidence motion mechanism will also be introduced, allowing for the removal of top office-bearers, including the President.
The new constitution mandates that India's top domestic league follow a promotion and relegation system, aligning with global football norms. The AIFF will become the sole owner and operator of the top-tier league, ending private ownership models.
The Supreme Court has stated that the new constitution will bring fairness, transparency, and accountability to Indian football. The court has expressed hope that the constitution will mark a new beginning for Indian football and elevate the sport to greater heights.
