Indian football faces a potential international ban. FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have issued a strong warning to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), demanding the adoption and ratification of a new constitution by October 30th, or face suspension.
In a firm letter dated August 26, 2025, addressed to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the international bodies expressed serious concerns about the delay in finalizing the constitution. This issue has been before the Supreme Court since 2017. The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the matter on August 28, 2025.
A suspension would prevent Indian national teams and clubs from participating in any international competitions. It also casts a shadow over India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games in Ahmedabad.
FIFA and AFC are urging the AIFF, under Kalyan Chaubey’s leadership, to get a “definitive order” from the Supreme Court approving the updated constitution. This constitution must comply with FIFA and AFC regulations and be ratified at the next General Body meeting before the October 30th deadline.
“Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision… including the possibility of suspension,” the letter clearly states.
Previous ban
This isn’t the first time Indian football has been in this situation.
In August 2022, FIFA suspended India due to “third-party interference” after a Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) temporarily managed the AIFF.
That ban was lifted within two weeks after the CoA was dissolved, and elections were held. Kalyan Chaubey won against football legend Bhaichung Bhutia.
‘Continued failure to implement constitution’
The global bodies expressed concern over the “continued failure to finalise and implement the revised Constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), a matter that has remained under consideration since proceedings before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in 2017.”
“Despite repeated assurances, the absence of a clear and compliant governance framework has now created an untenable vacuum and legal uncertainties at the heart of Indian football,” they said.
Calling it a “prolonged impasse” that has “precipitated a governance and operational crisis,” the letter added: “Clubs and players remain uncertain regarding the domestic competition calendar.”
“Commercial partnerships beyond December 2025 remain unconfirmed, and essential functions relating to development, competitions, and marketing are increasingly compromised.
‘Negative impact’
Criticizing the lack of financial stability, and its “profoundly negative impact on India’s football ecosystem”, the organizations also expressed concerns about the impact on footballers employed by clubs in the Indian Super League.
“We have received concerning reports from FIFPRO of the unilateral termination of players’ employment contracts by various clubs, as a direct consequence of the current impasse, affecting the players’ livelihoods and careers,” the letter noted.
Therefore, the AIFF has been instructed to take these immediate actions by the specified deadline.
“Secure a definitive order from the Supreme Court of India approving the revised AIFF Constitution. Ensure full alignment of the AIFF Constitution with the mandatory provisions of the FIFA and AFC Statutes and regulations.”
“Obtain formal ratification of the AIFF Constitution at the next AIFF General Meeting.” Failing to meet these requirements may result in penalties, “including the possibility of suspension”.
“A suspension of the AIFF would result in the loss of all of its rights as a FIFA and AFC member, as defined in the FIFA and AFC Statutes,” it stated.
SC hearing on August 28
The Supreme Court will hear the case concerning the Master Rights Agreement between AIFF and Football Sports Development Limited on August 28, 2025.
The agreement ends on December 8. FSDL put the upcoming season “on hold” last month due to uncertainty over the MRA renewal.
That decision forced at least three clubs to halt operations or delay payments. All 11 ISL clubs warned of an “existential crisis.” On August 22, the Supreme Court allowed AIFF and FSDL to negotiate temporary measures so that the season could begin on time.
Kalyan Chaubey stated that the federation would “endeavour to arrive at mutually agreeable measures” with FSDL, while clubs pushed for a prompt judgment to resolve the paralyzed football calendar, which threatens the existence of players, staff, and others.