Courtroom Chronicles

SC REFORMS GOVERNANCE OF ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION

by | Sep 22, 2025

Supreme Court of India building with All India Football Federation emblem symbolizing governance reforms.

Supreme Court delivers 2025 judgment reshaping AIFF governance.

SC REFORMS GOVERNANCE OF ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION

CASE SUMMARY – The Supreme Court in All India Football Federation v. Rahul Mehra (2025) resolved long-standing disputes over AIFF’s governance and constitutional reforms. Stemming from challenges to flawed elections and non-compliance with the National Sports Code 2011, the Court oversaw drafting of a new AIFF Constitution with FIFA input. Key rulings included granting voting rights to eminent players, reducing eligibility thresholds, allowing three vice-presidents with mandatory women’s representation, and limiting disqualification to convictions involving imprisonment. The judgment harmonizes Indian sports administration with global football standards and anticipates the National Sports Governance Act 2025, ensuring transparent, democratic management of Indian football.

ASPECTS DETAILS
Case Title All India Football Federation vs. Rahul Mehra & Ors.
Introduction Supreme Court judgment addressing reforms and governance of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), resolving disputes on constitutional amendments, elections, and representation of eminent players.
Factual Background Rahul Mehra challenged AIFF elections (2012 & 2016) for violating the National Sports Development Code 2011. Delhi High Court set aside AIFF’s 2016 elections and appointed an Administrator. Supreme Court stayed the order, appointed a Committee of Administrators, oversaw drafting of a new constitution, and guided elections amidst FIFA suspension and upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Legal Issues
  1. Inclusion & eligibility of eminent players in the General Body.
  2. Definition of office-bearers & number of vice-presidents.
  3. Disqualification criteria (criminal charges, public servant status, tenure in other sports bodies).
  4. Conflict of interest rules.
  5. Application of FIFA statutes & National Sports Code to AIFF.
Applicable Law
  1. National Sports Code 2011;
  2. FIFA Statutes & Standard Statutes; 
  3. BCCI vs. Cricket Association of Bihar (2016 & 2022);
  4. Representation of the People Act, 1951; 
  5. National Sports Governance Act 2025 .
Analysis Court harmonized Indian sports law with FIFA standards. Approved inclusion of eminent players with voting rights, lowered match threshold for eligibility, allowed three vice-presidents (one woman), limited disqualification to conviction with imprisonment, and restricted bar on public servants to ministers/government servants.
Conclusion AIFF constitution approved with modifications ensuring transparency, democratic governance, and compliance with international norms while respecting Indian statutory requirements.
Current Scenario New AIFF Executive Committee elected (Sept 2022) is functioning. Justice L. Nageswara Rao’s amendments largely accepted; final AIFF Constitution aligns with National Sports Governance Act 2025, awaiting formal notification.

“Inclusion of eminent players heralds transparency and fair play in Indian football administration.”

SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

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  1. SUPREME COURT RULES CONTAINERIZED GENSETS AS MANUFACTURED GOODS
  2. National Sports Code 2011
  3. Representation of the People Act, 1951 
  4. National Sports Governance Act 2025 

 

 

Written By Nancy Sharma

I am Nancy Mahavir Sharma, a passionate legal writer and a judicial service aspirant who is interested in legal researching and writing. I have completed Latin Legum Magister degree. I have been writing from past few years and I am excited to share my legal thoughts and opinions here. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference.

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