The Supreme Court will continue hearing the AIFF Constitution case, focusing on contract compliance and related disputes. The next hearing is scheduled for 28th August at 1:15 PM, as parties prepare to address financial and logistical issues.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard the case related to the Constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The matter is being heard by a bench comprising Justices P. S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan argued,
“The terms have to be strictly complied with till the term of the contract which is till Dec. They cannot say that they will not comply just because the contract couldn’t be renewed. I understand the problem if the tournament starts in Dec and stretches till after Dec. It is totally in AIFF hands.”
Advocate Neeraj Kaul, representing another party, highlighted the financial and logistical challenges involved.
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He said,
“No one comes to these tournament on year to year basis. In one year 150 crores have been invested. The last year began in Dec 2024. Under the contract I should began the negotiation for next season. Today there are no new sponsors. We have suffered losses. To get in an arrangement I need some tenure. But it cant be that let continue for one year. There are logistics and huge issues involved.”
Kaul further urged for a discussion with AIFF to resolve the matter amicably, stating,
“Atleast we can sit the AIFF to discuss. Give us a chance to figure out what can be worked out. Time to villify is over. When someone comes and say that perform your contract. I am performing I have practical problems which I am keeping here.”
He also emphasized his genuine interest in the sport and requested time to negotiate, saying,
“We are genuinely interested in the sport. Let me just sit with them. I need 10 days to solve the issue.”
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Another counsel appearing in the case added concerns regarding players’ salaries, pointing out that,
“The players are not being payed they cannot do away with their present obligation if there is no renewal. They have invoked the force majeure clause.”
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing in the AIFF Constitution case on 28th August at 1:15 PM.
Case Title: Indian Olympic Association v. Union of India and Ors, SLP (C) No. 14533/2022