Jakarta, CNNIIndonesia —
Fifa officially lifts the suspension suspension against the Indian Football Federation (AIFF). Why were FIFA sanctions against India lifted quickly, in the meantime Indonesia long?
FIFA condemned the AIFF on August 15. The intervention of a third party in the body of the Indian Football Federation was the reason why FIFA suspended the AIFF.
However, FIFA’s punishment against AIFF did not last two weeks as it only lasted 11 days. This made it possible for the Indian national team to return to action on the international stage in no time.
Solving the problem cannot be separated from the swift reaction of policy makers in India. After being sanctioned by FIFA on August 15, India’s Supreme Court immediately scheduled an emergency hearing on August 17 as the first step in dealing with the FIFA sanctions.
FIFA sanctions are considered serious business. Because of this, the Supreme Court of India stepped in to resolve the issue.
The Supreme Court of India has sought to resolve the issue after it was seen to have interfered in the establishment of a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to act as the interim administrator of the AIFF.
The Indian Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) is also trying to establish communication with FIFA to find a solution. Then Kemenpora India petitioned the Supreme Court of India to dissolve the CoA and postpone the election of AIFF officials who were seen as the root of the problem.
The Supreme Court of India then dissolved the CoA on Monday (August 22) and restored the full role of the AIFF. The news of the dissolution of the CoA was sent to FIFA as an element to be considered for the cancellation of the sanction.
FIFA finally granted India’s request and lifted the AIFF suspension on Friday (26/8) local time. India was once again able to appear in the arena of international football.
Besides, India can also host the U-17 World Cup 2022 which is scheduled for October 11-30.
India is not the only country sanctioned by FIFA. Previously, Indonesia was sanctioned by FIFA on May 30, 2015.
The reason why FIFA froze PSSI at that time was similar to that of India, namely due to the intervention of a third party, in this case the Indonesian government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. FIFA considers Kemenpora to be interfering in the affairs of the football federation.
During the suspension sanction by FIFA, the Indonesian national team was banned from participating in international matches organized by FIFA and AFC. Everything is done so that Indonesia can escape punishment.
On June 1, 2015, a Transition Team for Improving Indonesian Football Governance was initially formed. However, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the PSSI are still at odds, taking the dispute to court.
It was not until December 2015 that the ad hoc football reform team was formed with the approval of FIFA. Then, in February 2016, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Menpora Imam Nahrawi and ad hoc committee Agum Gumelar first lifted the government’s suspension of PSSI.
On May 3, 2016, up to 20 representatives of PSSI vote holders came to the PSSI office to request that an Extraordinary Congress (KLB) be held. Then on May 10, the Ministry of Youth and Sports lifted the suspension of PSSI.
Finally, Indonesia was only released from sanctions on May 13, 2016. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that FIFA officially lifted the sanctions ahead of the FIFA Congress in Mexico City.
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