The Supreme Court on Friday finalised the draft of the Constitution for the All India Football Federation (AIFF), marking a significant step towards structural reforms in Indian football. The apex court has instructed the Federation to convene a General Body Meeting (GBM) at the earliest, preferably within four weeks, to formally adopt the new Constitution.
The move comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and ensure transparency within the AIFF. The draft Constitution aims to align the Federation’s functioning with international standards and improve the overall administration of football in India. Sources indicate that the document includes detailed provisions regarding membership rights, electoral processes, and operational guidelines for clubs and state associations.
In its directive, the Supreme Court emphasized the need for timely adoption of the Constitution to enable smoother management of football affairs, including domestic leagues, national team activities, and compliance with global football governance norms. Officials from the AIFF are expected to circulate the draft among its members soon and schedule the General Body Meeting to formalize the adoption process.
Football stakeholders have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the new Constitution will address long-standing governance challenges within the Federation. Analysts believe that this step could pave the way for greater professionalism in Indian football, attracting investment and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic leagues.
The Supreme Court’s intervention follows several years of scrutiny over AIFF’s administrative practices, including controversies surrounding elections and management of football events. By finalizing the draft Constitution, the Court has signaled a clear intent to ensure that Indian football moves forward under a transparent and robust governance framework.
With the General Body Meeting expected soon, football fans and stakeholders are closely watching how the adoption of the new Constitution will shape the future of the sport in India. The AIFF’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive will be critical in determining the next phase of football development in the country.
