Photo Credit: REUTERS
FIFA has banned India for the first time in its 85-year-old history. Professionals and fans are looking at an uncertain future due to the implications of the ban.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been banned for "undue influence from third parties". India has immediately lost the right to host the Under-17 Women's World Cup which was supposed to take place from October 11-30.
An official statement from FIFA said the next steps regarding the tournament are being assessed.
If FIFA chose to stage the tournament in another location, the Indian women's football team may not be able to participate because the country was part of the competition for being the host and not by merit.
There is still hope because the international football body in its statement said that the matter will be referred to the Bureau of the Council. "FIFA is in constant constructive contact with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India and is hopeful that a positive outcome to the case may still be achieved."
On the other hand, the ban may extend to the senior national team being barred from international matches. In that case, two friendly matches - against Singapore and Vietnam - scheduled for next month will be suspended. These matches were in preparation for next year's Asian Cup.
Football clubs from India will also not be allowed in continental tournaments. They cannot sign foreign players. The players who are already on the roster can stay.