New Delhi: Newly appointed All India Football Federation (AIFF) administrator Dr. SY Quraishi on Wednesday, assured that the sports body’s elections will be held at the earliest. The former chief election commissioner also intends to use his prior experience as administrator of the Archery Federation in running the AIFF.
“We want the elections to be announced as early as possible and new office-bearers take over so that the development of football doesn’t come to a standstill,” said Quraishi as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
He also added, “It has been over a month that I have been appointed administrator of the Archery Association of India. That experience will also help me to handle the affairs of the All India Football Federation.”
Interestingly, The Delhi High Court on Tuesday had ruled the AIFF Elections held in December, as invalid and as one that violated the National Sports Code just days days after allowing the football governing body to contest elections. The HC also asked them to re-contest the elections within five months following all the procedures and restrictions as prescribed in the NSC.
“The same court that allowed the elections has now set it aside. Till we get the order, we would only be speculating. But if it was about getting five permanent members to propose a candidate, well, it is followed by Fifa and AFC (Asian Football Confederation),” said an AIFF official.
The Sports body however is yet to decide on it’s next course of action and may challenge the court judgement once they receive a copy of the order.
Meanwhile, FIFA, the apex football body is still unaware of the exact matter and is awaiting an official communication from the AIFF regarding the same, before taking any decision on it.
“FIFA is awaiting an official communication from the AIFF concerning the said matter. We have no further comment for the time being,” said an official FIFA spokesperson as quoted by the Hindustan Times.