THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

AIFF Statement on media reports about Praful Patel’s election

AIFF Annual General Body Meeting

The All India Football Federation takes strong exception to a certain story floated by a news agency titled: “12 state bodies against Patel’s appointment in ‘divided’ AIFF.”

The quotes used in the story stay baseless and seem to be told to the news agency by any individual who seems to have a vested interest.

The AGM and the Elections held on December 22, 2012 were conducted in the presence of Ms. Radhica Sreeman, Observer on behalf of the Government of India (also the Regional Director, SAI); Mr. P. C. Makholia on behalf of the Sports Authority of India; Mr. Mun Si Song, representative Asian Football Confederation and Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Regional Developmental Officer, South and Central Asia.

It was held in the spirit of the Sports Code and FIFA Consultant Monika Staab was also present on the occasion.

Justice S. K. Agarwal, a Retired Judge of the Delhi High Court was the Returning Officer.

Mr. Praful Patel was unanimously elected as the President of AIFF on the day and there wasn’t any ‘objection’ by a single State Association Member, leave aside ‘twelve’ as mentioned in the news report.

AIFF enjoys full support of all State Associations across the country and denies any such ‘division’ mentioned in the report.

(AIFF Press Release)