Center says efforts to ‘break the ice’ with FIFA; Hearing adjourned till August 22
Center says efforts to ‘break the ice’ with FIFA; Hearing adjourned till August 22
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Center to take proactive steps to ensure that India hosts the U-17 Women’s World Cup in October, even as the government “breaking the ice” with the world body. informed about your efforts. Suspension of All India Football Federation (AIFF).
The FIFA ban has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the prospect of India hosting the World Cup this year.
Read also: FIFA bans AIFF. Why did this happen and what does it mean for Indian football?
a day after The government demanded an urgent hearing of the matter in the Supreme CourtSolicitor General Tushar Mehta asked the court to adjourn the matter till August 22, to which the court agreed.
“We are trying to break the ice,” explained Mr Mehta to a three-judge bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud.
The law officer said the government has already met FIFA officials twice to resolve the issue. Mr Mehta said that in view of the “active discussions” taking place, the hearing may be adjourned to August 22. He added that the Committee of Administrators (CoA) is also playing a constructive role in negotiations with FIFA.
Adjourning the matter till Monday, the court said, “We will influence the Union of India to play an active role in the matter of organizing the World Cup and so that the ban on AIFF is eased.”
Petitioner alleges involvement of ‘external forces’
Some parties, including the petitioner Rahul Mehra, said that the incidents were carried out by outside forces.
To this, the court warned that if “someone from outside is trying to create something, he will surely intervene.”
Solicitor General Mehta intervened to note that he represents the government and agreed that the court should come down heavily on those who are trying to interfere.
“It is a big incident for the country for the children below the age of 17 years,” the court said.
“Yes, it is about the pride of the country,” agreed Mr. Mehta.
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Fifa action against AIFF
On Tuesday, news emerged about the FIFA ban, citing “undue influence from third parties” as the reason for the AIFF’s suspension.
The apex court had appointed a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to govern the AIFF following its order on May 18, 2022, which observed that the “continuance of the Executive Committee of the AIFF beyond its four-year term” was not “in the interests of proper governance of the Federation”.
On August 11, the Supreme Court had allowed the Sports Ministry’s request, in which it held a meeting with the AIFF’s Committee of Administrators and FIFA, to settle the ongoing dispute in the AIFF.
But the bench made a point to remind that it wanted India to host the World Cup and that the court would exert every authority under its order to do so.
The bench’s scathing remarks came during the hearing of a contempt petition filed by the CoA, complaining that former AIFF president Praful Patel and football associations of some states were “indirectly” trying to thwart the Supreme Court’s interim order. From” were proceeding. To hold federation elections on 3 August and finalize the constitution of the AIFF in time for the World Cup.
Addressing the lawyers of AIFF, Justice Chandrachud said, “You want to settle it amongst yourselves, we do not have any difficulty because we want the World Cup to be held here… and if it comes, we will without exception.” Will claim his right.” State associations, ministries and other parties to the matter.
On 3 August, the Supreme Court passed an interim order asking the AIFF to conduct and conduct the elections to its executive committee at the earliest. The court had agreed to the election schedule of 27 days as prepared by the CoA. According to this schedule, the election results will be declared on August 28/29, 2022.
The court had ordered that the election be held in accordance with the provisions of Article 26 of the draft Constitution, drafted by the CoA, which lays down the limits and conditions of eligibility for candidates.
The court had also agreed with the CoA’s proposal that 36 eminent players representing the communities of prominent football players should be part of the electoral college with the right to vote in the AIFF elections.