The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed a name change to 'Indian Football Federation' (IFF), a move that comes as the world focuses on the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. The federation will now seek approval from the Sports Ministry before proceeding further with the process.
Proposal Details
The AIFF's executive committee passed the resolution during a meeting on June 21, 2026, with a majority vote. According to sources, the change aims to align the federation's name with international standards and simplify its identity. The current name has been in use since the federation's inception in 1937.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey stated, 'This is a step towards modernizing Indian football and ensuring our federation's name reflects our vision for the future.' The proposal will now be sent to the Sports Ministry for final approval, which is expected within the next few weeks.
Context and Reactions
The proposal comes amid heightened global attention on football due to the FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While the Indian national team did not qualify for the tournament, the AIFF has been actively working to develop the sport domestically.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia commented, 'A name change alone won't transform Indian football, but it's a symbolic move. The real work lies in grassroots development and infrastructure.' The federation has also been under scrutiny for governance issues in recent years, with FIFA previously imposing a ban on the AIFF in 2022 due to third-party interference.
Next Steps
The Sports Ministry will review the proposal, considering its legal and administrative implications. If approved, the name change will require amendments to the federation's constitution and registration with the Registrar of Societies. The AIFF expects the process to be completed by the end of 2026.
The federation's general secretary, Shaji Prabhakaran, said, 'We are confident that the ministry will support this change, which is in the best interest of Indian football.' The move has received mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some welcoming the change and others calling for more substantive reforms.
