Supreme Court approves AIFF draft constitution with major reforms, directing the football body to adopt it within 4 weeks, ensuring transparency and accountability in Indian football governance.
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NEW DELHI: In a crucial step toward reforming Indian football governance, the Supreme Court of India has approved the draft constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), prepared by former apex court judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao. The verdict, delivered on Friday by a bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, directs the AIFF to adopt the constitution within four weeks through a general body meeting.
The Supreme Court also recognised the election of the current AIFF executive committee led by President Kalyan Chaubey, observing that no fresh elections were necessary since only one year of its tenure remains. This decision provides administrative stability as the federation transitions to its new governance framework.
Background of the Case
The ruling comes after months of hearings and deliberations. On April 30, the Court had reserved its verdict following extensive submissions by senior advocates Ranjit Kumar, Rahul Mehra, and amicus curiae Gopal Sankaranarayanan. The process included addressing objections raised by state football associations, former players, and other stakeholders, ensuring a broad-based consultative approach.
Key Reforms in the Draft Constitution
The draft, prepared under the Supreme Court’s supervision, introduces several progressive reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in AIFF’s functioning:
1. Term and Age Restrictions
- Office bearers may serve a maximum of 12 years in their lifetime.
- No more than two successive four-year terms are allowed.
- After eight years in office, a four-year cooling-off period is mandated.
- Individuals above the age of 70 are barred from holding office.
2. Executive Committee Composition
- The committee will have 14 members, including:
- 1 President
- 2 Vice Presidents (one male, one female)
- 1 Treasurer
- 10 other members
- Out of the 10 members, five must be eminent players, with at least two women.
3. No-Confidence Motion Provision
- A new mechanism allows for the removal of office bearers, including the President, via a no-confidence vote. This democratic safeguard was absent in the previous structure.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The bench highlighted that the draft underwent several rounds of consultations, including clause-wise objections from stakeholders across Indian football. The Court underscored that these reforms are crucial to aligning AIFF’s governance with modern democratic and sporting standards.
Case Title:
ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION VERSUS RAHUL MEHRA & ORS.
SLP (C) NO(S). 30748-30749 OF 2017
Read Judgment:
