The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled its annual general meeting for December 21. Due to the prevailing COVID-19 threat the AGM will be conducted virtually.
“The AIFF will hold its virtual AGM on December 21, 2020,” the national federation said in a release after its executive committee meeting that was held via a video conference.
It remains to be seen whether incumbent AIFF president Praful Patel can get an extension in his office. The national sports code clause about the term limit will be his biggest road block.
Indian football has made a steady overall growth, including professional and commercial, during Patel’s tenure. He was the driver behind the ₹ 700 crore commercial deal with IMG-Reliance. The contract has been a major turning point for good for the sport in the country.
The 15-year-old deal eventually led to the creation of the Indian Super League.
The president apprised the committee that India will be officially bidding to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027. India had earlier expressed its interest to host the tournament earlier this year.
If India wins the bid, it will be the first time the country will host the continental showpiece event.
The committee also approved the distribution of the COVID solidarity fund to the state associations to support their activities.
“Meanwhile, with the Government of India having merged the Union Territories of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli into a single union territory, the provisional membership of Dadra and Nagar Haveli FA has not been renewed as they need to merge with Daman and Diu (a permanent member).
“The Daman and Diu FA needs to now apply to AIFF for the change of its name to Daman Diu Dadra Nagar Haveli FA.
“In addition, Lakshadweep FA has been granted a full membership,” the national federation said.
The president congratulated the AIFF administration for ‘having done some wonderful work during these difficult and extraordinary times — keeping football and all other activities in top gear.”
“Congratulations for the completion of the Hero I-League Qualifiers. The Hero ISL is slated to kick-off on November 20.
“The Hero I-League will be hosted in Kolkata, while the Hero ISL will be held in Goa. Both the cities have been chosen as they have multiple match and practice venues,” Patel said.