The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee convened in Hyderabad on Monday, on the sidelines of the Intercontinental Cup 2024. A key discussion point was the proposal to include the India Under-20 men’s team in the I-League. This move comes with the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2026 and Asian Games 2026 in mind, as the AIFF aims to provide the U-20 squad with regular competitive gametime and maintain their match fitness throughout the year. Notably, the U-20 team will be exempted from the promotion-relegation system.
The ExCo members also warmly received a proposal from the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association. The association offered to provide facilities at the newly inaugurated stadium in Tawang, situated at an impressive 10,000 feet above sea level, for the India national team’s training camp. This high-altitude location presents a unique opportunity for the national team to acclimatize and train in challenging conditions.
The AIFF Annual General Body meeting, held subsequent to the ExCo meeting, focused on the renewal, termination, and eventual settlement of claims related to the federation’s contract with former Head Coach Igor Stimac. Members voiced their concern over the renewal of Stimac’s contract in 2023 under unapproved and unfavorable terms, demanding an independent inquiry into the internal procedures and personnel involved in the decision.
The meeting also saw members express apprehension about former office bearers continuing to represent AIFF in various committees of the South Asian Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation. They requested the AIFF ExCo to write to these bodies to discontinue such practices, emphasizing the need for clear separation and independence in the organization’s representation. The AIFF Executive Committee’s decisions and discussions highlight the federation’s commitment to strengthening Indian football, both at the national and youth levels, while addressing concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the organization.
