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21 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

AIFF Seeks State Association Input for National Sports Code Compliance

AIFF consults state bodies to align its constitution with the National Sports Code.

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AIFF Seeks State Association Input for National Sports Code Compliance

Photo by Daniela Paola Alchapar

त्वरित संशोधन

1.

AIFF executive committee formed a committee to review suggestions

2.

Final draft of amendments expected by December 22

महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां

December 22

दृश्य सामग्री

Evolution of Sports Governance & AIFF's Path to Compliance

This timeline illustrates the historical progression of the National Sports Code and key judicial interventions that have shaped sports governance in India, culminating in the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) current efforts to ensure full compliance.

The evolution of sports governance in India has been marked by a gradual shift from autonomous, often opaque, federations towards greater transparency and accountability, largely driven by the National Sports Code and repeated interventions by the Supreme Court. The AIFF's current efforts are a direct consequence of this ongoing reform process.

  • 1975First National Sports Policy introduced, laying initial groundwork for sports administration.
  • 1988Revised National Sports Policy, further emphasizing the need for structured sports bodies.
  • 2011National Sports Development Code of India (NSDC) released by MYAS, mandating good governance for NSFs.
  • 2016Supreme Court-appointed Lodha Committee recommends reforms for BCCI, aligning with NSC principles (age/tenure limits).
  • 2018Supreme Court upholds age and tenure limits for office bearers in National Sports Federations (NSFs), reinforcing NSC.
  • Aug 2022Supreme Court appoints Committee of Administrators (CoA) for AIFF due to non-compliance with NSC; FIFA suspends AIFF.
  • Sep 2022Supreme Court dissolves AIFF CoA; AIFF elections held, Kalyan Chaubey elected President; FIFA ban lifted.
  • Jan 2023Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) faces governance issues and protests, leading to Ministry intervention and temporary suspension of activities.
  • Dec 2024AIFF initiates engagement with state associations to gather feedback on proposed constitutional amendments for full NSC compliance (Current News).
  • Dec 2025AIFF's executive committee expects to finalize the draft constitution, aiming for complete adherence to the National Sports Code.

परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Governance and accountability in autonomous bodies (sports federations)

2.

Role of the judiciary (Supreme Court) in enforcing good governance and constitutional principles

3.

National Sports Code: its provisions, legal status, and impact

4.

Centre-state relations in sports administration (national federation vs. state associations)

5.

Government funding and its conditionalities for sports bodies

6.

Transparency and democratic principles in public administration

विस्तृत सारांश देखें

सारांश

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is actively engaging with its state associations to gather feedback on proposed amendments to its constitution. This crucial exercise aims to ensure the AIFF's statutes are fully compliant with the National Sports Code, a mandate from the Supreme Court.

The AIFF's executive committee, led by president Kalyan Chaubey, has formed a committee to review these suggestions, with a final draft expected by December 22. This move is vital for the federation's governance and its eligibility for government funding, highlighting the ongoing efforts to bring transparency and democratic principles into sports administration in India.

पृष्ठभूमि

Governance in Indian sports federations has historically been plagued by issues of lack of transparency, accountability, nepotism, and dynastic control. Many federations operated without clear democratic processes, often leading to mismanagement and hindering the development of sports. This led to calls for reforms and greater oversight.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is currently undertaking a crucial exercise to amend its constitution to comply with the National Sports Code. This move is a direct consequence of a Supreme Court mandate, emphasizing the judiciary's increasing role in ensuring good governance in sports.

The AIFF's executive committee is actively seeking feedback from state associations, aiming for a final draft by December 22. This compliance is vital for the federation's governance, its eligibility for government funding, and to uphold principles of transparency and democracy.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Sports Code of India: 1. It is a statutory enactment passed by the Parliament of India. 2. It mandates age and tenure limits for office bearers of National Sports Federations (NSFs). 3. Compliance with the Code is often a prerequisite for NSFs to receive government funding. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Sports Code is an executive instruction/guideline issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, not a statutory enactment by Parliament. Statement 2 is correct; it mandates age (70 years) and tenure limits (e.g., 3 terms of 4 years for President, 2 terms for Secretary General/Treasurer) for office bearers. Statement 3 is correct; government funding and recognition are often contingent upon compliance with the National Sports Code.

2. In the context of governance of sports federations in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. National Sports Federations (NSFs) are entirely autonomous bodies, free from any government oversight or intervention. 2. The Supreme Court has, at times, intervened to ensure democratic elections and adherence to good governance principles in NSFs. 3. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is responsible for recognizing NSFs and providing financial assistance based on their performance and adherence to guidelines. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. While NSFs are largely autonomous, they are subject to government oversight, especially when they receive public funding or seek government recognition. The National Sports Code itself is a form of government oversight. Statement 2 is correct; the Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened, notably in cases involving the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and various sports federations, to uphold democratic principles and good governance. Statement 3 is correct; the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports plays a crucial role in recognizing NSFs, formulating sports policy, and disbursing financial aid, often linked to compliance with the National Sports Code and other guidelines.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its international context: 1. The AIFF is affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). 2. FIFA has never suspended the AIFF in its history for third-party interference in its administration. 3. The National Sports Code primarily focuses on the financial management of sports federations, with limited provisions for their electoral processes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Statement 1 is correct. The AIFF is indeed the governing body for football in India and is affiliated with both the AFC (the continental body) and FIFA (the global body). Statement 2 is incorrect. FIFA suspended the AIFF in August 2022 due to 'third-party interference' (referring to the appointment of a Committee of Administrators by the Supreme Court), though the suspension was later lifted. Statement 3 is incorrect. The National Sports Code has significant provisions regarding the electoral processes of sports federations, including age and tenure limits for office bearers, and mandates fair and democratic elections, in addition to financial transparency.