FIFA have lifted their suspension of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), effective immediately. India have also been reinstated as hosts of the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup which was scheduled to take place in October.
In a media release on their website, FIFA announced the decision, stating "The Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided to lift the suspension that was imposed on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to undue third-party influence."
The FIFA Bureau had earlier imposed a suspension on the AIFF after a Supreme Court appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) went ahead with the idea of elections with an Electoral College composed of 'eminent players' - which was deemed unconstitutional by FIFA statutes.
The Supreme Court later went on to dismantle the CoA and said Electoral College, acceding to all of FIFA's demands. "The day-to-day management of AIFF shall be exclusively looked after by the AIFF Administration led by the Acting Secretary General. The mandate of the Committee of Administrators appointed by the order of this Court stands terminated," the SC said in its verdict on the 22nd of August.
FIFA confirmed as much, stating "The decision was taken after FIFA received confirmation that the mandate of the committee of administrators that was set up to assume the powers of the AIFF Executive Committee had been terminated and that the AIFF administration had regained full control of the AIFF's daily affairs. FIFA and the AFC will continue to monitor the situation and will support the AIFF in organising its elections in a timely manner."
AIFF's elections are set to be held on September 2 with Bhaichung Bhutia and Kalyan Chaubey in the mix for the post of president.
Football's governing body also went on to confirm that India would proceed as hosts of the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, after earlier exploring other options during India's suspension. "As a consequence, the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022 scheduled to take place on 11-30 October 2022 will be held in India as planned."
Gokulam Kerala FC were barred from participating in the AFC Women's Champions League as a result of the suspension, but ATK Mohun Bagan will be allowed to proceed with their Inter-Zone Playoff semifinal in the AFC Cup later this year.