Former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia opened up on FIFA's decision to suspend the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and called it a 'very harsh' call.
However, he also saw it as an opportunity to get the country's system right. 'It's very important that all the stakeholders, the federation and the state associations to come together and get the system right and everybody work for the betterment of Indian football,' he added.
Former star Indian footballer Shabbir Ali also saw the decision as an unfortunate one and said that it was a setback for Indian football. He though feels that the U-17 Women's World Cup would still be held in India. 'I am optimistic that things will fall in place and India won't be robbed off the showpiece event, added the Dhyan Chand Awardee.
Despite FIFA suspending AIFF with immediate effect, football's governing body in its statement said that it was hopeful of a positive outcome and the ban will be lifted if the AIFF administration regains full control of the AIFF’s daily affairs.
Also read: India banned by FIFA, stripped of U17 women's World Cup hosting rights