All India Football Federation: Praful Patel does not want re-election The All India Football Federation has issued a statement stating that AIFF President Praful Patel will resign and will not run for re-election. The statement came in response to an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court stating that Mr Patel’s term had expired and that the AIFF had failed to conduct the election. Follow sports updates on InsideSport.IN
“It has been submitted that since the term of the existing committee (AIFF) has already expired, and the present chairman (Praful Patel) has completed more than 12 years as chairman, the petitioner (AIFF) should be elected without further delay. In accordance with the existing guidelines under the Sports Code and the guidelines issued by the respondent (Ministry of Sports) from time to time. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has informed the Supreme Court in response to the affidavit filed by Rahul Mehra against AIFF.
All India Football Federation: AIFF issues statement after Sports Ministry’s appeal in Supreme Court, says ‘Prafulla Patel will not seek re-election’
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“The All India Football Federation has filed an application with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on November 20, 2020. Suomoto, we have requested the SC to guide us on the next steps regarding the conduct of elections at our AGM. It will be held on 21st December 2020 What the Sports Ministry has submitted to the SC in their recent affidavit is nothing more than a repetition of the issues we have mentioned in our application to the SC. “ A statement from the AIFF said.
The statement added, “According to the constitutions of FIFA and AFC, it is mandatory to have an elected body representing the subjects of AIFF. Since our application is still pending in the SC, seeking guidance on the conduct of the election, we are obliged to remain in office in the absence of a new body. Otherwise, AIFF will lose its affiliation with FIFA and AFC and FIFA will not be able to participate in or host any international competitions in India, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup. “
“We would be happier if we could get elected tomorrow if the Supreme Court approves our constitution. Our constitution already complies with the National Sports Code, which adheres to the age limit of 70 years and a total of 12 years. Our President Mr. Praful Patel has said on several occasions including AGM of AIFF that he has completed his term and does not want re-election.“
The All India Football Federation has filed an application in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on November 20, 2020.# Indian football (1/8)
– Indian Football Team (ndIndianFootball) April 11, 2022
All India Football Federation: AIFF issues statement after Sports Ministry’s appeal in Supreme Court, says ‘Prafulla Patel will not seek re-election’
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Patel was re-elected for the third and final term in December 2016, and as per normal rules, his term is due to end in December 2020. Patel was the President of AIFF for 12 years after completing 3 terms. However, it is learned that Patel and Co went to the Supreme Court claiming that the election could not be conducted.
The main reason why the election could not be conducted was that the constitution of the AIFF was suspended. In this situation, the risk of losing recognition from the government for AIFF is high.
“Since the last election held by the petitioner was on 21.12.2016, the applicant has to conduct a new election. Although the respondent recently renewed the petitioner’s annual recognition for one year from 23.10.2020, such recognition is subject to the outcome of the special leave application pending in this Honorable Court. “ The ministry added.
Moreover, in their renewal letter dated 23.10.2020, the respondent has clearly stated that the applicant must bring their constitution in accordance with the provisions of the Sports Code within six months from the date of issue of the letter.
“Thus the term of office of a petitioner, such as the President, who has already served 12 years as President of the AIFF, would be a violation of the Sports Code, especially Section 9.3 (iii) of the Sports Code …”
All India Football Federation: AIFF issues statement after Sports Ministry’s appeal in Supreme Court, says ‘Prafulla Patel will not seek re-election’
It is alleged that Patel failed to vacate his post and has been the President of AIFF for 14 months. According to the guidelines, the president can hold office for only 12 years, ie three terms. Thus, contrary to the rules, Patel has continued his responsibilities and made big decisions.
Patel has already suggested the formation of a three-member committee to look into the legal aspects of the election. The three-member body included NA Harris, Subrata Dutt and Jessia Villavara. The term of the committee has been extended since its formation in February and the report completed by the committee is missing.
The report further claims that Patel is in the running for a fourth term, which would qualify him for the FIFA Council.
All India Football Federation: AIFF issues statement after Sports Ministry’s appeal in Supreme Court, says ‘Prafulla Patel will not seek re-election’
