NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation Annual General Body Meeting, which was held via video conferencing on Monday, December 21, unanimously passed a resolution that the present executive committee under the leadership of AIFF president Praful Patel should continue functioning till the Supreme Court provides a suitable direction for AIFF to hold its elections.
Patel declared he will not contest elections as and when they are held as he is “not eligible”. This is significant as observers from FIFA, Asian Football Confederation and Indian Olympic Association, as well as FIFA Regional Development Managers, also attended the online meet.
Patel further declared that “this executive committee will not take any major financial or policy decisions during this extended period till the AIFF elections are held.”
“Patel informed the members that elections cannot be held in the absence of a new constitution. He said the AIFF sought legal opinion before approaching the Supreme Court to allow extension of the term of the executive committee,” a top official of a member unit who attended the meeting told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“Patel said he is not eligible to contest elections any more because of term limit. The members agreed that the executive committee under the leadership of Patel should continue till the elections are held.”
Speaking at the AGM, Patel stated: “These are very difficult times, not just in India but across the World. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 was rescheduled to March 2021 and had to again be postponed to 2022 which is to be held in India.
“We never wanted to host the World Cup in empty stadiums. I would like to thank FIFA for their support.”
Patel continued: “I have always looked at AIFF as my extended family. I have done whatever I could do to the best of my ability. I have tried to function in a democratic manner. I am thankful to all of you for giving me this wonderful support and assistance. I request you to protect the interests of Indian Football above all.”
The AGM was also apprised about various AIFF activities including the inaugural AIFF Masters programme, updates about digital programmes and AIFF TV, the Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, the GBLs, the Hero I-League Qualifiers and the Hero I-League, which is slated to kick off from January 9, 2021.
“There is no agenda for, or against anybody. We have always been neutral and have tried to streamline Indian football and take it to the next level,” Mr Patel concluded. “The unity of the football family needs to be kept intact.”
