AIFF release statement regarding Delhi HC order, mull further legal action

THE ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION has released a statement in the wake of the Delhi High Court's order earlier today.

This afternoon, hearing the PIL filed by lawyer-activist Rahul Mehra, the Delhi HC set aside the election of AIFF President Praful Patel and the entire AIFF top brass saying the election process did not comply with the National Sports Code.

Dr SY Quraishi has been put in charge of AIFF and he is supposed to hold fresh elections in 5 months' time.

The Federation, minutes earlier, released their official statement regarding this matter. Here's their statement in full:

"The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is aware that earlier today (October 31, 2017) the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi has pronounced its judgment in the matter which was earlier reserved on 12th May, 2017. AIFF understands that the hon’ble court has to make certain corrections, after which the order would be made available to the parties.

The Hon’ble High Court while pronouncing the order appointed Dr. S. Y. Quraishi as the administrator and the returning officer to conduct a fresh election within 5 months. The Hon’ble High Court also directed to amend the AIFF Constitution to make it compliant with the National Sports Code.

Earlier, the Hon’ble Court vide its order dated 15th December, 2016 had observed that the election ought to be conducted as per the applicable rules of the institution concerned and also in consonance with the National Sports Code and the elections guidelines contained with respect to conduct and eligibility conditions including age, tenure and restrictions. That the Hon’ble Court further vide the same order restrained AIFF from completing its election scheduled for 21st December, 2016.

Immediately, AIFF had approached the Hon’ble High Court and filed a detailed affidavit to bring on record that AIFF has followed the Election process as prescribed under Sports Code, its Constitution as well FIFA & AFC statutes. AIFF also apprised the Hon’ble High Court that the Constitution of AIFF is in compliance with the terms of age limit, tenure limit of prime office bearers and one state-one vote policy. 

Accordingly, the Hon’ble Court allowed AIFF to proceed with elections vide its order 20th December, 2016.
AIFF conducted its election under the supervision of a retired High Court Judge, who acted as the Returning Officer. AIFF’s election process is as per the FIFA and AFC statutes as well.

AIFF is fully compliant with all statutory regulations in terms of the Registrar of Societies Act as well as other notifications and orders of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports also confirmed and verified in the past that that AIFF’s election was in strict compliances with its Constitution and National Sports Code.

AIFF is not aware of the reasons of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court to pass this order. Once AIFF receives the copy of the Order from the Hon’ble High Court, AIFF will decide the course of action in accordance with the law."

The AIFF has claimed to be unaware of the reasons this decision was taken by the Delhi HC, which may indicate that they will appeal against this decision in the Supreme Court.

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