FIFA’s suspension of the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) has come as a major blow to Indian football as the sport has been put on a standstill across the country. The big decision by the world football’s governing body that took the country by shock on Tuesday (August 16) has virtually isolated Indian football from the world.
While it has put a major cloud over India’s ability to host the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the most immediate damage has been done to Indian clubs who were set to take part in the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) competitions.
The Women’s team of Gokulam Kerala had traveled to Uzbekistan for the competition before the news broke and now have been left stranded in the country without any confirmation of what the future holds for them. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan are set to play in the AFC Cup next month.
Taking cognizance of the situation, the Sports Ministry of the Indian Government has written an email to FIFA and requested them to allow both Gokulam Kerala and ATK Mohun Bagan to play in their respective competitions. The Ministry pointed out the fact that the Kerala-based side were already in Uzbekistan when the suspension order was issued and they should be allowed to play in the interest of young players.
Gokulam are scheduled to kick off their campaign on Wednesday (August 23) while their next fixtures will take place on August 26. However, as things stand, they will not be allowed to play either of the two group stages games.
Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan were scheduled to begin their campaign in the Intra Zone semi-finals of the AFC Cup on September 7 in Bahrain.
The FIFA ban also means that the Indian national team cannot play any international friendly. This will come as a major blow to the national team’s preparation for next year’s AFC Asian Cup.
