Indian govt asked to play ‘proactive role’ in lifting AIFF ban

India's Supreme Court on Wednesday told the government to play a proactive role in having FIFA's suspension of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) lifted and facilitate hosting of the Under-17 Women's World Cup competition in the country.

The top court's instruction came a day after FIFA suspended India's top football governing body for "undue influence from third parties" and said the U-17 Women's World Cup "cannot currently be held in India as planned".

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Indian government, said the government has already held talks with FIFA following the suspension of AIFF.

Announcing the suspension of AIFF earlier, FIFA had said there have been "flagrant violations of the FIFA statutes" by the Indian football body.

"On the request of SG Mehta, we ask the Centre to take a pro-active role to hold the U-17 World Cup and lifting of the suspension of AIFF be facilitated," a bench of justices D Y Chandrachud, AS Bopanna and J B Pardiwala said.

The top court said that India should "have the benefit" of hosting the U-17 Women's World Cup.

The government told the apex court that steps are being taken and a discussion underway to "find a way" and requested for the matter to be adjourned until Monday (August 22).
Mehta told the court that the government it had held two meetings with FIFA on Tuesday after it suspended the AIFF.