Very harsh, but right decision: former captain Baichung Bhutia supports FIFA's ban on India

NEW DELHI: Former national football team captain Baichung Bhutia said that FIFA's decision to ban the All India Football Federation was very harsh but it was an appropriate step for the future of football in the country. Bhutia also opined that such an action by FIFA was necessary for the betterment of Indian football. The reason behind FIFA's sudden decision is the undue influence from third parties in the administration of AIFF.

Instead of considering the FIFA ban as a negative thing, it should be considered as a great opportunity to get our football system right. Bhutia also opined that the Football Federation and State Associations should use this opportunity for the betterment of Indian football.

The governing body of the All India Football Federation, headed by Praful Patel, who has been in the position of president since 2009, was dissolved by the Supreme Court and a three-member committee was appointed. The FIFA Council banned India, stating that it is FIFA that has to sanction and take action on the federations of the member countries and that third party interference is against the law.