The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is the governing body of football in India. Founded in 1937, we are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport, from grassroots development to elite national teams, shaping the future of Indian football.
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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is the national governing body of football in India. It is a member of FIFA, the world governing body for football, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The federation is responsible for managing the India national football team, women's national team, and various youth national sides.
Founded in 1937, the AIFF has been at the forefront of developing and promoting football across the diverse landscape of India. Our mission is to make football the premier sport in India by creating a robust ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots to the professional level.
We organize and sanction major domestic competitions including the Indian Super League (ISL), I-League, Santosh Trophy, and the women's league. The AIFF also runs extensive coaching and referee education programs to raise the standard of the game.
Discover Our HistoryTo develop, promote, and regulate football throughout India, achieving sustained excellence at all levels.
To be among the top footballing nations in Asia and inspire every Indian to participate in the beautiful game.
Integrity, Excellence, Passion, Unity, and Respect guide every action we take.
Multiple SAFF Championships, Asian Cup participations, and historic wins on the international stage.
The pride of the nation, representing India across international competitions.
Senior
Affectionately known as the "Blue Tigers," the senior men's national team represents India in FIFA-sanctioned matches and is governed by AIFF. The team's highest FIFA ranking was 94, achieved in 1996. Recent successes include multiple SAFF Championship victories.
Head Coach: Igor Štimac
Captain: Sunil Chhetri
Team Profile
Women
The Indian women's national football team has shown remarkable growth, participating in the AFC Women's Asian Cup and inspiring a new generation. The team achieved its highest FIFA ranking of 49 in 2013. They are a vital part of AIFF's commitment to gender equality in sports.
Head Coach: Thomas Dennerby
Captain: Ashalata Devi
Team Profile
U-17
AIFF places immense emphasis on youth development. Our U-17 and U-20 teams regularly compete in AFC and FIFA tournaments. The Indian U-17 team hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, a landmark event that boosted football's popularity nationwide.
Pathway: AIFF Elite Academy, Youth Leagues
Focus: Developing future stars for the senior teams.
Youth Development
AIFF sanctions and oversees a structured pyramid of leagues that form the backbone of Indian football. Our flagship competitions provide a platform for players to showcase their talent and aspire to represent the national team.
The top-tier professional football league in India, launched in 2014. It operates on a franchise model and has significantly raised the profile of Indian football. The ISL winner earns a spot in the AFC Champions League. The league runs from November to March.
Current Champion: Mumbai City FC
Teams: 12
Visit ISLThe I-League is the second division of Indian football but holds a rich legacy as the former top division. It is a key development league, often producing talents for the ISL and national teams. It promotes a competitive, club-based model rooted in local communities.
Current Champion: RoundGlass Punjab FC
Teams: 12
Visit I-LeagueThe premier interstate football competition in India, contested by state teams. It has a storied history dating back to 1941 and remains a coveted trophy, showcasing regional talent.
The top division women's football league, established to grow the women's game. It provides a professional pathway for female footballers and is crucial for national team development.
The Youth Development Programme includes Elite Leagues for U-13, U-15, and U-18 age groups, forming the core of AIFF's talent identification and nurturing system.
Building the foundation for a sustainable football future in India.
AIFF's Grassroots programme aims to introduce football to children aged 6-12 in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. We partner with schools, NGOs, and local clubs to set up football festivals and training centres across the country.
We run a comprehensive coaching education system in line with AFC and FIFA guidelines. Courses range from AIFF 'D' License to AFC Pro Diploma, ensuring a steady supply of qualified coaches to guide players at every level.
Developing world-class referees is key to the integrity of the game. AIFF conducts regular training, fitness tests, and assessment programs for referees and assistant referees, with many officiating in AFC and FIFA competitions.
Located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the AIFF Elite Academy is the national youth residential academy. It houses the most promising U-17 and U-15 players who undergo a holistic development program encompassing football training, academics, and life skills, preparing them for professional careers.
AIFF has a dedicated strategy to grow women's football. This includes increasing participation, creating a competitive league structure, improving national team performance, and advocating for equal opportunities and facilities.
The All India Football Federation unveiled its comprehensive strategic roadmap for the next four years, focusing on grassroots expansion, national team performance, infrastructure, and commercial growth. The plan aims to place India among the top 10 football nations in Asia.
May 15, 2024
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The final 23-player squad for the upcoming AFC U-17 Asian Cup in Thailand has been announced. The team will undergo a final preparatory camp in Goa.
May 10, 2024
The seventh edition of the Indian Women's League begins with 12 teams competing for the title. AIFF has secured a new broadcast partner for wider coverage.
May 5, 2024
Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
June 8, 2024 | 19:30 ISTChang Arena, Buriram
September 6, 2024 | 16:00 ISTTo be announced
November 2024Watch highlights, interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from our national teams and leagues.
SubscribeThe All India Football Federation was formed in 1937 following a meeting of football representatives from six regions: Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Punjab, Delhi, and the United Provinces. It was affiliated to FIFA in 1948, the same year India participated in its first Olympics football tournament in London.
India's golden era came in the 1950s and 60s, with victories in the Asian Games (1951, 1962) and a fourth-place finish in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. The AIFF has since navigated the evolution of Indian football, introducing professional leagues and modernizing its structures to keep pace with global standards.
Landmark moments include hosting the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, launching the Indian Super League in 2014, and seeing the senior men's team qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, 2019, and 2023.
Get in touch with the All India Football Federation for inquiries related to football development, media, partnerships, or general information.
Football House,
PS III, Sector XIX, Dwarka,
New Delhi - 110075, India
General: +91-11-2334-8300
Media: +91-11-2334-8310
General: [email protected]
Media: [email protected]
Monday - Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM IST
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