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Supreme Court Approves New AIFF Constitution: No Ministers, Bureaucrats; Players Get Voting Rights

Top court sets 4-week deadline for adoption; aims to reform Indian football governance

15 eminent players, age cap of 70 years, and stricter eligibility norms introduced

By Our Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: September 20, 2025: In a landmark decision that could reshape the governance of Indian football, the Supreme Court of India has finalised the new Constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), introducing sweeping reforms to ensure transparency, professionalism, and inclusivity in the sport’s administration.

A bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the AIFF to convene a Special General Body Meeting within four weeks to adopt the revised constitution. The Court expressed hope that the changes would mark a “new beginning” for Indian football and help the sport reach greater heights.

Background of the Case

The ruling stems from a long-running legal battle that began in 2017, when the Delhi High Court annulled the AIFF elections, citing violations of the National Sports Code, 2011. The court appointed former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi as Administrator to oversee reforms, resolve membership disputes, and prepare a fresh electoral list.

The AIFF challenged the decision in the Supreme Court, which stayed the High Court’s order but appointed a Committee of Administrators to draft a new constitution. In 2023, former Supreme Court judge Justice L. Nageswara Rao was tasked with finalising the draft after consultations with stakeholders, including FIFA, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, state associations, eminent players, and commercial partner Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL).

Key Reforms in the New Constitution

The Supreme Court’s 78-page judgment incorporates several significant changes:

Ban on Ministers and Bureaucrats
- No serving ministers or government servants can hold office in the AIFF.
- Public servants may be eligible only if they obtain prior permission from their department.
Age Cap of 70 Years
- Office-bearers must be under 70 years of age.
Inclusion of Eminent Players with Voting Rights
- 15 eminent footballers, including at least five women, will be part of the AIFF General Body with full voting rights.
- The eligibility benchmark for “eminent players” has been reduced:
  - Men: Must have represented India in at least five international matches.
  - Women: Must have represented India in at least two international matches.
Composition of the General Body
- One representative from each state association.
- 15 eminent players.
- Three club representatives (from ISL, I-League, and Indian Women’s League).
- One male and one female referee representative.
- Two coaches (one male, one female).
Eligibility and Disqualification Norms
- Candidates must be Indian citizens, residents, at least 25 years old, and voting members of the General Body.
- Disqualification if convicted and sentenced to more than two years, mirroring norms for MPs and MLAs.
Term of Current Office-Bearers
- The Court upheld the election of the current AIFF Executive Committee, led by President Kalyan Chaubey, allowing them to complete their term until September 2026.

Court’s Observations on Sports and Fraternity

In a notable philosophical reflection, the Court linked sports to the constitutional value of fraternity, stating that while rights can be enforced through law, fraternity must be nurtured through shared experiences of unity and trust.

Justice Narasimha observed:

“Sports bring together individuals from diverse social, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds under a common pursuit. This inclusiveness ensures that sports become not a privilege of the few but a medium through which fraternity is strengthened across society.”

The Court emphasised that sports governance must be transparent, inclusive, and free from political interference, and that institutional efficiency and professionalism are essential for nurturing talent from grassroots to international levels.

FIFA’s Role and Avoiding Suspension

The decision comes against the backdrop of FIFA’s warning that failure to adopt a definitive constitution by October 30, 2025 could result in suspension of the AIFF. The Court’s four-week deadline ensures that the adoption process will be completed well before this date, likely during a meeting in Goa on October 14.

Resistance from State Associations

Some state football associations opposed granting voting rights to eminent players, arguing it violated FIFA statutes and the National Sports Code. The Court rejected these objections, noting that both the FIFA Standard Statutes and the Sports Code encourage the inclusion of prominent sportspersons in governance.

The bench clarified that state associations would still hold over 62% of voting power, ensuring that the democratic structure remains intact.

Other Notable Provisions

Minimum age for office-bearers: 25 years.
At least one of the three vice-presidents must be a woman.
Disqualification only upon conviction and sentencing, not mere charges.
No amendments to the constitution without Supreme Court approval during the initial implementation phase.

Impact on Indian Football

Legal experts and sports administrators believe the reforms could usher in a more professional, player-centric governance model for Indian football. By limiting political interference and giving players a voice in decision-making, the AIFF could align itself with global best practices.

The inclusion of women players and representatives from referees, coaches, and clubs is expected to make the federation more representative of the football ecosystem.