FIFA bans India | Supreme Court asks Centre to take proactive steps to host U-17 Women’s World Cup

Centre says efforts on to ‘break the ice’ with FIFA; hearing postponed to August 22

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to take proactive steps to ensure that India hosts the Under-17 Women's World Cup in October, even as the government informed of its efforts to "break the ice" with the world body over the suspension of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The FIFA ban has thrown a cloud of uncertainty over the prospect of India hosting the World Cup this year.

Also read: FIFA bans AIFF | Why it happened and what it means for Indian football

A day after the government sought an urgent hearing of the case in the Supreme Court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked the court to adjourn the case till August 22, to which the court agreed.

"We are trying to break the ice," Mr. Mehta explained to a three-judge Bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.

The law officer said the government has already twice met with FIFA officials in a bid to resolve the issue. Mr. Mehta said given the "active discussions" being held, the hearing could be postponed to August 22. He said the Committee of Administrators (CoA) is also playing a constructive role in the talks with FIFA.

"We would impress upon the Union of India to take (a) proactive role in the matter for holding the World Cup and so that lifting of (the) ban on AIFF is facilitated," the court observed, postponing the case to Monday.