In a surprising turn of events, FIFA has decided to distance itself from the upcoming National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, putting the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a challenging position. Sources reveal that FIFA decision is linked to the chosen venue for the final round of the Santosh Trophy, scheduled to take place in Arunachal Pradesh in February-March next year. The diplomatic implications concerning China stance on the northeastern state are believed to be the primary reason behind FIFA’s withdrawal.
The AIFF, caught off guard by FIFA move, has swiftly sent a fresh proposal, urging FIFA to reconsider its decision. AIFF aims to re-establish FIFA’s association with the tournament from the next season but at a “non-controversial” venue, according to sources of Telegraph India.
The initial excitement sparked in an executive committee meeting held in early November when AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey declared the Santosh Trophy’s new identity as the “FIFA Santosh Trophy.” Chaubey had expressed optimism about FIFA’s involvement, stating that FIFA officials would meet with Arunachal Pradesh officials for tournament discussions, and the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, might attend the final on March 9 or 10.
Embarrassing situation for Indian Football, AIFF ft FIFA
However, the recent development has created an embarrassing situation for Chaubey and AIFF Treasurer Kipa Ajay, who also serves as the secretary of the state football association in Arunachal Pradesh, a stronghold of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.
Chaubey, in response to the setback, clarified that the earlier announcement was not official and was more of an idea proposed to FIFA. He stated, “There was nothing official. We had just lobbed an idea to FIFA about its association with a prestigious tournament like Santosh Trophy. So how can one say that the world governing body has distanced itself from the tournament this season? There is a high chance that FIFA will be with us from next season, and that would be a huge boost for the tournament.”
Questions have emerged regarding whether the AIFF prematurely announced FIFA’s involvement without securing FIFA’s consent, raising concerns about the suitability of Arunachal Pradesh as the tournament venue.
Some speculate that FIFA’s reservations about Arunachal Pradesh may be related to the recent wushu controversy during the Hangzhou Asian Games, where athletes from Arunachal Pradesh faced travel restrictions imposed by China, leading to a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. The AIFF has been cautious in addressing FIFA’s concerns, possibly to avoid complications linked to the wushu incident.
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