AIFF Cracks Down on Unauthorized Football Tournaments in India
The Executive Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) held a meeting on June 6 in Kolkata to address the issue of unauthorized and unregistered football tournaments across India. These tournaments often harm the interests of states, clubs, footballers, and other stakeholders.
Key Decisions
- No AIFF-registered player, coach, or referee is allowed to participate in unauthorized tournaments without permission from the State Association and their affiliated district or taluk units.
- State associations must take strong action against those found guilty of participating in unauthorized events.
- Member Associations (MAs) are advised to develop and implement their own tournament registration policies.
Conditions for Tournament Registration
- Only registered clubs/academies can participate.
- Only players registered in the registered clubs can represent the teams.
- Only licensed referees should officiate the games.
- Organizing bodies must provide full security for players and officials.
AIFF Acting Secretary General, M Satyanarayan, explained that the decision was made after considering several factors, including player safety and the presence of foreign players without proper visas. The new rules aim to bring unauthorized tournaments into the official fold, allowing registered players and referees to participate and ensuring better organization and safety.