Supreme Court Endorses AIFF Draft Constitution, Allows Current Administration to Conclude Term
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is on the brink of a significant change, as the top court reserved its verdict on the issue of finalising the draft constitution on April 30. The draft constitution, prepared by former apex court judge L Nageswara Rao, includes tenure limits, age caps, and a no-confidence removal clause.
The new constitution, which has been approved by the Supreme Court with modifications, will structure the AIFF's executive committee to include one president, two vice presidents (one man and one woman), one treasurer, and 10 other members. Of the 10 other members, five will be eminent players, including two women. This new setup will result in a 14-member executive committee.
The draft constitution proposes a maximum service period of 12 years in the AIFF, with a limit of serving a maximum of two successive terms of four years each. However, the number of terms a treasurer or the other members can serve, as well as the number of terms a president or vice president can serve, have not been specified.
The draft constitution also sets a cooling off period of four years after eight years as an office bearer of the AIFF. Moreover, it prohibits a person from remaining a member of the AIFF after attaining 70 years of age.
The existing constitution of the AIFF does not have a no-confidence removal clause for office bearers. However, the new draft constitution includes provisions for the removal of office bearers, including the president, through a no-confidence motion.
The court heard objections and suggestions from senior lawyers Ranjit Kumar, Rahul Mehra, and amicus curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan. Despite the objections raised by various state football associations and former players for several days, the court has directed the AIFF to adopt the approved draft constitution within four weeks in a general body meeting.
It is important to note that the current president of the AIFF, Kalyan Chaubey, and his term last from 2022 to 2026. The court's decision will not affect the current executive committee, led by president Chaubey, which will continue for the rest of its term.
The court's verdict on the finalisation of the AIFF's draft constitution is eagerly awaited, as it promises to bring transparency and accountability to the governing body of Indian football.
