THE suspension of the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) by Fifa may just benefit KL City in this year's AFC Cup.
The world body have suspended AIFF with immediate effect due to "undue influence from third parties", and as a result, has cast a shadow over the participation of Indian club ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup.
If KL beat Indonesia's PSM Makassar in the Asean zone final on Aug 24, their next opponents are supposed to be Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup inter-zone play-off semi-finals on Sept 7.
But with Mohun Bagan out of the competition, KL may just go straight to the inter-zone play-off final should they overcome Makassar.
However, Asian Football Confederation general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul said if the Fifa ban on AIFF was lifted, things would revert to as before.
"For now, AIFF are suspended by Fifa, and their teams cannot compete in any international competition," Windsor told Timesport yesterday.
"Fifa have clearly said what was the problem with AIFF and how they can fix it. So, the ball is in their court.
"Mohun Bagan were scheduled to play in the AFC Cup in September and if AIFF could get the ban lifted, they will be able to play.
"We, at AFC, hope AIFF can sort out the issue fast and get their football back on track."
The suspension came after India's Supreme Court ordered the country's national football federation on Aug 3 to hold elections for office bearers under a new constitution by Aug 29.
Following the suspension, India will also not be allowed to host the Under-17 women's World Cup from Oct 11 to 30.
