NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation on Friday decided to delay the start date of the domestic season till further notice in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a circular sent to all its members, the AIFF said it was done by following the guidelines issued by the world body FIFA as well as those by the Indian government.
“In view of the current situation of pandemic, we are unsure as to when things would go back to normal and sports can be played again in the country. Hence, AIFF has decided to postpone the start date of the upcoming season i.e. 2020-21 season and its first registration period till further notice,” the AIFF said.
“The same shall be declared through a separate circular,” it said in the circular titled ‘COVID-19 Football Regulatory Issues in India’.
Last year, the Indian Super League began on October 20 while the I-League started on November 30. The AIFF said Article 5.1 paragraph 1 of Annexe 3 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players provides that prior to a registration period commencing, associations may amend or modify the dates under “exceptional circumstances”.
“The COVID-19 outbreak is clearly an exceptional circumstance, the AIFF said.
–PTI

Press Trust of India