The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday formally adopted the much-debated Article 25.3 (c) and (d) of its Constitution, following approval from the Supreme Court of India. The decision came through an overwhelming majority during a Special General Meeting (SGM), marking a significant milestone in a long-running constitutional reform process that began in 2017.
The newly adopted clauses clearly state that an office bearer serving on the AIFF’s executive committee cannot simultaneously hold a position as an office bearer in any member or State association. This amendment is intended to create clearer boundaries between national and state-level leadership roles, addressing concerns long highlighted by the Supreme Court, FIFA and the AFC regarding governance and conflict of interest.
In its previous meeting on October 12, the AIFF had adopted the revised constitution but left out these two clauses, awaiting clarity from the Supreme Court. Monday’s SGM, however, moved decisively to close that chapter. Of the 27 member associations in attendance, 24 voted in favour of adopting Article 25.3 (c) and (d). Two associations—the Indian Football Association (Bengal) and the Goa Football Association—expressed reservations, urging the AIFF to consider filing a review petition in the Supreme Court to revisit the decision. Meanwhile, the Football Association of Odisha sought a week to review the matter internally before taking a final stand.
The adoption of these clauses represents the formal conclusion of a process that has stretched over seven years. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey expressed relief and satisfaction at the completion of the long-drawn proceedings. “With this, what began in 2017 (when the hearing for the new constitution started in the Supreme Court) has finally ended. I am happy and relieved that, finally, AIFF has a constitution that fulfills all the requirements of the Honourable Supreme Court, FIFA and the AFC. I would like to thank AIFF’s member associations, the top court, FIFA and AFC for making this possible,” Chaubey said after the vote.
With the clauses now formally adopted, the AIFF moves into a new phase of governance that aligns with national and international expectations. The strong majority support suggests that most member associations are ready to embrace the structural separation mandated by the Supreme Court, even as a few stakeholders seek further review. The decision marks a defining moment for Indian football administration, bringing long-awaited closure to a crucial constitutional reform effort.
