New AIFF constitution clears long legal battle but could force mass resignations in executive committee

The much-awaited constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which was approved by the Supreme Court on September 19, 2025, after eight years of litigation, has given the AIFF what it desperately pleaded for.

At the same time, the two-member division bench of the apex court has put in a clause in its final judgement that carries the potential ammunition to lead to a situation which may leave the AIFF without an executive committee once it approves the constitution in the Special General Meeting (SGM) in Delhi on October 12.

After gathering dust in the Supreme Court for eight years, the case regarding finalisation of the AIFF constitution gained momentum in March/April with a series of hearings. While opposing the draft constitution prepared and submitted by retired Justice L. Nageswara Rao much, the AIFF was persistent in its demand that no mid-term elections should be called and the current committee headed by Kalyan Chaubey should be allowed to continue till the end of their term in September 2026.

The Supreme Court verdict didn’t disappoint AIFF. While delivering the judgement, it said, “In the facts and circumstances of the case, we are of the opinion that the current executive committee can be treated as a permanent body which shall discharge its function in accordance with the relevant laws as well as the AIFF Constitution.”

The googly within

The euphoria, however, was short-lived. The draft constitution, which the Supreme Court has directed the AIFF to adopt within four weeks, contains a googly within it; rather, a lethal bouncer for the body’s Executive Committee members.

Article 25.2 (c) of the draft constitution, while clarifying its position on Executive Committee, says, “In the event a person is elected as an Office-Bearer in the Executive Committee of the AIFF and holds a position of an Office-Bearer in a Member Association, he/she shall automatically be deemed to have vacated his/her position in the Member Association.

“Similarly, in the event that a person is elected as an Office-Bearer in a Member Association and holds a position of an Office-Bearer in the Executive Committee of the AIFF, he/she shall automatically be deemed to have vacated his/her position in the Member Association.”

Now, this may lead to chaos and confusion in the AIFF SGM to be held on October 12. Currently, there are 16 members in the AIFF Executive Committee (one position is vacant), and barring a couple of them, all are unmistakably senior office bearers in their respective state associations.

The moment the new constitution is adopted, all of them would be left to choose between their chairs in the AIFF or the state FAs or face the wrath of the apex court for continuing in their dual roles.

A few of the six adopted members in the committee, who are eminent players, could also be in trouble, as they are associated with clubs and academies. The stringent conflict of interest clause would bar them from having the cake and eat it too.

Ready to throw in the towel

The general impression in the corridors of the AIFF is that most of the Executive Committee members are ready to sacrifice their positions in the AIFF in order to protect their posts in the state FAs.

“I am ready to throw in the towel, as I have no intention of defying the Supreme Court order. I will be happy to work for the game back in my state association,” said an Executive Committee member.

“Once the new constitution is adopted, the current Executive Committee will essentially disappear. In that case, how can the AIFF be run without a committee?” the member wondered. “At the same time, no one can go against the Supreme Court decision. We may be reduced to approve our own exit from the AIFF leading to collapse of AIFF administration,” he added.

Another Executive Committee member, however, didn’t sound as pessimistic as his colleague. “We will sit down in the SGM and will try to find a solution. There cannot be a constitution that actually prevents the federation from working. Moreover, one must bear in mind that the Supreme Court clearly stated the present committee will continue its full term,” he said.

He pointed out that once the National Sports Governance Act 2025, which has been approved by the Parliament, comes into effect, this contentious clause will become redundant as it is not included in the act.

Fresh elections only solution

A senior member of the Executive Committee said he would hate to wear multiple hats even after the Sports Governance Act comes. “But the problem is, who will run the show? It is not easy to get a fresh set of 17 executive members having the required administrative experience in such a short notice; it is absolutely impossible. The judgement has left us stranded.”

To call for fresh elections is the only way out, he said. “Our president, Mr. Chaubey, should stand firm by the people who backed him all through for the last three years. Elections should be called under his leadership, and a committee should be elected as per the new constitution. It is necessary, because no president can function without an Executive Committee,” the member pointed out.

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