The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken swift action in response to the IWL 2 incident in Goa and complaints lodged against Deepak Sharma. Following deliberations by the Emergency Committee, which convened to address the matter, it was decided to suspend Deepak Sharma from all football-related activities until further notice.
This decision came after the Executive Committee met on April 2, 2024, and resolved to dissolve the Ad Hoc Committee formed earlier and refer the issue to the AIFF Disciplinary Committee.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey reiterated the organization's commitment to promoting women's football in a safe and nurturing environment. Chaubey emphasized that while the incident in Goa during IWL 2 is concerning, it should not overshadow the AIFF's ongoing efforts to develop women's football. He assured that the matter has been expedited, with referral to the Disciplinary Committee for prompt action.
Furthermore, Chaubey highlighted the significant strides made in women's football, citing the expansion of the Indian Women's League (IWL) and the introduction of promotion and relegation in future seasons.
He pointed out the positive impact of these initiatives, exemplified by the India Senior Women's Team's impressive performance in the Turkish Women's Cup, where they achieved their best-ever finish as runners-up.
Chaubey also lauded individual achievements within the sport, such as Manisha Kalyan's recognition as the best midfielder in the Turkish Women's Cup. He highlighted the growing participation of women footballers across age groups, attributing the trend to the concerted efforts of the AIFF and the support received from the Ministry of Sports, Government of India.
The AIFF President underscored the encouraging rise in the number of registered women players in the country, pointing to the success of grassroots initiatives like the 'Khelo India' Girls' League. With over 27,000 registered women players and a significant influx of new registrations, Chaubey expressed optimism about the future of women's football in India.
In conclusion, the AIFF remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering the growth of women's football, prioritizing the safety and well-being of players while striving for excellence on and off the field.