FIFA, the organization that oversees football worldwide, has suspended the Indian Football Federation because of “undue influence from third parties.”
The country’s hosting of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in October is in jeopardy due to FIFA’s suspension.
India’s highest court had disbanded the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in May and appointed a three-member committee to govern the sport despite FIFA rules stating that Fifa’s member federations must be free from legal and political interference.
FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it has met Indian football stakeholders and laid down a roadmap for the AIFF, which has to change its rules by the end of July and hold elections by 15 September.
“The suspension will be lifted once an order to set up a committee of administrators to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee has been repealed and the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs,” Fifa added.
“FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved.”