Debasis Sen, Kolkata
The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) appears to be uncertain following the Supreme Court ruling on the draft constitution for the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Under the amended constitution, the top-tier football league in India must be owned, operated, and officially recognised by the AIFF. For the past 15 years, the ISL has been managed by Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which now raises questions about the league’s status going forward.
Adding to the complexity, the court’s judgment mandates that all football leagues in the country, including the top division, must adopt a system of promotion and relegation. This is a significant shift, as the ISL has operated without relegation since its inception. The ruling also requires full compliance with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standards for the league to retain a direct entry into the AFC Champions League.
With the amendments as suggested by the apex court, the response from ISL franchises and clubs will be critical. Their acceptance and adaptation of the new structure will determine the league’s future in Indian football.
The Supreme Court on Friday approved the draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), with certain modifications. The apex court, in its final judgement, has directed the football federation to call for a special general body meeting and adopt the draft constitution with the modifications within a period of four weeks.
The bench, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, ruled that the current executive committee of the AIFF, led by President Kalyan Chaubey, could continue in office for the full duration of its term. The court further clarified that the current committee would be considered permanent and not interim.
Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered that the amended AIFF constitution would also be applicable to all state football associations. Let’s look at the salient features of the amended constitution in the 78-page order:
Mandatory inclusion of 15 eminent players in General Body
As per Article 20.2, the General Body will comprise of one representative from every Member Association; 15 eminent players elected from a national player body with minimum 5 being women, 3 club representatives, one each from ISL, I-League and Indian Women’s League, 2 representatives from Referees (male and female), and 2 representatives from Coaches (male and female).
Promotion and Relegation in Top tier League
According to the amended constitution, the top division league shall be owned, operated, and officially recognised by the AIFF. It will follow the principles of promotion and relegation and comply with all requirements set by the AFC to qualify for a direct slot in the Asian Champions League.
Eligibility criteria for President and Secretary
To be eligible to contest for the positions of President, Secretary General, or Treasurer, a person must either be a sportsperson of outstanding merit or must have previously served a full term as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Sports Body, or held the position of President, Secretary General, or Treasurer in one of its affiliated units.
Provision in Executive Committee to have five eminent players
The amended constitution provides for the inclusion of at least five former national players in the 14-member Executive Committee. The definition of an ’eminent player’ has also been revised by the bench and refers to a former footballer who has been retired for a minimum of two years and has represented India at the senior level in at least seven competitive matches for men, or at least three competitive matches for women.
Tenure of office-bearers
A person may hold office for a maximum of 12 years in their lifetime, with a limit of two consecutive terms of four years each. After completing two successive terms, the individual becomes eligible to seek election to the same or any other post only after a mandatory cooling-off period of at least four years. During this cooling-off period, the individual shall not be a member of the General Body or serve on any committee of the AIFF in any capacity.
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