All India Football Federation: AIFF releases statement after Sports Ministry’s application to Supreme Court, says ‘Praful Patel will not seek re-election’

All India Football Federation: Praful Patel not seeking re-election – All India Football Federation has released a statement where they clearly state that the AIFF president Praful Patel will step down and will not contest for re-election. The statement comes in response to an affidavit registered to the Supreme Court where it was stated that the term of Mr. Patel is over and the AIFF has failed to conduct an election. Follow Sports updates on InsideSport.IN

“It is submitted that as the term of the existing committee (of the AIFF) is already over, and the existing president (Praful Patel) has completed more than 12 years as president, the Petitioner (AIFF) should hold elections without further delay as per extant instructions contained under Sports Code and the instructions issued by the Answering Respondent (sports ministry) from time to time,” the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) told the Supreme Court, in response to an affidavit filed by Rahul Mehra against the AIFF.

All India Football Federation: AIFF releases statement after Sports Ministry’s application to Supreme Court, says ‘Praful Patel will not seek re-election’

All India Football Federation: AIFF releases statement after Sports Ministry’s application to Supreme Court, says ‘Praful Patel will not seek re-election’

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“All India Football Federation has filed an application before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 20th November 2020. Suo moto, we have requested the SC to guide us about the next steps that we should take regarding holding the election in our AGM to be held on 21st Dec 2020. What the sports ministry has filed in their recent affidavit in SC is nothing but a reiteration of the issues which we have mentioned in our application to SC.” said a statement from AIFF.

The statement further added, “As per the constitution of FIFA and AFC, it is mandatory to have an elected body representing the affairs of AIFF. Since our application is still pending with the SC, seeking directions regrading holding the elections, we are constrained to hold office in the absence of a new body. Otherwise AIFF will lose its affiliation with FIFA and AFC and will not be able to either participate or hold any international competition in India including the FIFA U-17 World Cup.”

‘We would be more than happy to hold the elections tomorrow if the SC approves our constitution. Already our constitution is in conformity with the National Sports Code adhering the age limit of 70 years and three tenures totalling 12 years. Our President Mr. Praful Patel has stated on several occasions including in the AGM of AIFF that he has completed his tenure and is not seeking re-election.”

All India Football Federation has filed an application before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 20th November 2020.#IndianFootball (1/8)

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) April 11, 2022

All India Football Federation: AIFF releases statement after Sports Ministry’s application to Supreme Court, says ‘Praful Patel will not seek re-election’

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Patel was re-elected for this third and final term in December 2016 and per the normal norms, is scheduled to conclude his term in December of 2020. Patel has been the President of the AIFF for 12 years after completing 3 terms. However, it has been reported that Patel and Co moved to the Supreme Court claiming elections could not be conducted.

The chief reason for which the election could not be conducted was that the constitution of the AIFF was suspended. Under these circumstances, the danger of losing recognition from the government for the AIFF looms large.

“As the last elections held by the petitioner was on 21.12.2016, as such the Petitioner is required to conduct fresh elections. While recently the Answering Respondent renewed the Petitioner’s annual recognition for a year with effect from 23.10.2020, such recognition is subject to the outcome of the special leave petition pending before this honourable court,” the ministry added.

“Furthermore, the Answering Respondent in their renewal letter dated 23.10.2020 has categorically stated that the Petitioner needs to bring their constitution in line with provisions of the Sports Code within six months from the date of issue of the letter.

“That thus the tenure of an office bearer of the Petitioner, such as the president, who has already served 12 years as president of AIFF, will be in violation of the Sports Code, specifically clause 9.3 (iii) of the Sports Code…”

All India Football Federation: AIFF releases statement after Sports Ministry’s application to Supreme Court, says ‘Praful Patel will not seek re-election’

Claims arise that Patel failed to vacate his spot and has remained the President of AIFF for 14 months. As per the guidelines, the president can only hold his post for 12 years, i.e three terms. thus, contrary to the rules, Patel continued with his duty and has also taken major decisions.

Patel in the meantime suggested the formation of a three-membered committee that would be tasked with the responsibility to look into the legal aspects of the election. The three-membered body consisted of NA Haris, Subrata Datta, and Jessiah Villavarayar. Since its formation in February, the duration of the committee has been extended while the report to be filled by the committee remains absent.

Reports also claim that Patel is eyeing a fourth term that would make him eligible to try a spot in the FIFA Council.

All India Football Federation: AIFF releases statement after Sports Ministry’s application to Supreme Court, says ‘Praful Patel will not seek re-election’