In 2022, Indian football was in the doldrums. The AIFF was suspended by FIFA, and the sport faced an uncertain future. Three years down the line, the situation is much the same. The scenario is bleak and the alarm bells are ringing. There has been no progress, and the sport has gone south. Whatever good work was once done is being lost with the negativity around. For a sport which has mass support and is passionately followed by millions in the country, this is as bad as it can get. Court hearing after court haring has happened, and the bottom line is that no solution has been found.
Today, we have yet another hearing. Perhaps the defining one. The Supreme Court had asked the AIFF and FSDL to come back with a solution, and also mentioned that the order is ready. Could it ask for elections and in a specified timeframe? With FIFA’s letter making things dire, is that the only way forward?
Why does Indian football land itself in trouble constantly? While the issue with the constitution is an ongoing one, it has also had issues with sending a team to the Asian Games, a run-in with a coach like Igor Stimac, and then the failed experiment with Manolo Marquez. When I look at the last three years, I see multiple headlines outlining things aren’t well with Indian football.
The FSDL-AIFF meeting offers an opportunity. To go back to the Supreme Court (SC) and present a road map, which can help the sport going forward. Work out a long-term solution while also addressing players’ and clubs’ concerns in the short term. Finally, it is on the AIFF to finalise the constitution and set its house in order to ensure that no ban comes India’s way.
READ: FIFA cautions AIFF – expresses acute disappointment and puts India on notice
Come to think of it, these are very basic requirements. The very basics of governance. And yet, in India, these are huge developments. For us, people doing what is expected of them comes as a huge relief. We are so used to administrative inefficiency and problems that smooth functioning comes as a surprise, if not a shock. How is it that the AIFF is working without any controversy? How is it that Indian football is being governed well?
The truth is that all this rubbish has persisted for far too long, and fans of the sport have kept silent. As stakeholders, they are owed an explanation. The solution is as much for them as anyone else. For a country ranked 133 in the latest update, these fans are god sent. They still flock to the stadiums and support the sport. They still turn up, come hell or high water. They deserve better, and today will tell us which way things are headed.
We need a solution. Whatever it is, we need direction. The sport has to move, and the truth is that it hasn’t since April 26, 2025. The FIFA letter is the final nail. It is a stern reminder of where we stand, and it is now or never. All eyes will yet again be on the SC today as we seek to know if Indian football will get a lifeline. And yes, without third-party interference or influence.
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