AIFF considers name change to Football Federation of Bharat; Club led model postponed until next week

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed to change its name to Football Federation of Bharat (FFB). After the idea was accepted during a virtually attended Special General Body (SGM) meeting, the wish to change the name will now go to the Sports Ministry, which will take the final call.However, this process is far from quick and straightforward. “This proposal (for the change) will be sent to the sports ministry. It is a process and the process has started today,” AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey told news agency PTI. “If the ministry doesn’t approve it, or if they have a different opinion, then there’s no doubt. If the ministry approves, then we’ll present it to the general body. Then we’ll send (it) to FIFA. That’s the second part of the process.“We need several approvals, FIFA approval, ministry approval, but then you have to start somewhere. So it’s a start.” The AIFF will not be the first to undergo such a procedure. Turkey (Turkish Football Federation) is now referred to as Turkiye (Turkiye Futbol Federasyonu) in official communications. The same applies to the Czech Republic, which is now officially called Czechia, but the football governing body is still called the Football Association of the Czech Republic.

No decision on club-led model

The AIFF also told the governing body members that the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) will begin on September 4. Additionally, no decision has been taken on the club-led ISL model.On Friday, the AIFF wrote to commercial rights bidders Genius Sports informing them of the delay in the final decision. The national body also clarified that Indian football was set on a different path in its financial structure. In a different way, AIFF and ISL clubs reached a consensus last week after a meeting with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Under the model, which will operate for four years, a separate entity will be created to manage the league with the clubs at the helm. Meanwhile, AIFF will be responsible for logistics and operations. The AIFF will be compensated Rs 16 million annually under this arrangement. As the AIFF is awaiting a response from Genius Sports, the decision is yet to be ratified by the general body. It is expected to be discussed next week with the ISL governing committee, which consists of the clubs and three AIFF officials. The National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) was passed after it was not given the required time for deliberation at the previous SGM held in Kolkata in May. Subsequently, several changes could be made to the AIFF statutes by June 30.According to the NSGA, sports federations like the AIFF have until June 30 to officially adopt and implement the new constitutional changes and governance guidelines ordered by the sports ministry. The football calendar was also unveiled during the SGM, with the ISL scheduled to begin on September 4 and the Durand Cup around the end of July.