Charity Commissioner of Vadodara Acknowledges Petition Against Baroda District Football Association

The Hon’ble Charity Commissioner of Vadodara has acknowledged a petition filed by Dr. Rahul Vasudevbhai Vyas and Mr. Umesh J Rathawa against the Baroda District Football Association (BDFA), Gujarat State Football Association (GSFA), and the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) under Section 41(A) of the Charitable and Religious Trust Act, 1950. The petition alleges mismanagement, financial irregularities, and violations of statutory obligations by the BDFA, along with the inaction of the GSFA and AIFF in addressing these issues.

Key allegations include the BDFA’s failure to hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for over a decade, financial discrepancies such as misappropriation of funds and incomplete records, and the absence of elections since 2014-15, violating democratic principles. The petition also highlights a conflict of interest, as the BDFA Secretary concurrently serves as the Secretary of the Baroda Football Academy (BFA), which bears a striking resemblance to the BDFA in name and logo.

The petitioners have sought a stay on the BDFA’s proposed AGM, an independent investigation into the irregularities, and legal action against responsible office bearers under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. They have also urged the GSFA and AIFF to take disciplinary action against the BDFA.

The Hon’ble Charity Commissioner has taken cognizance of the petition and is expected to initiate an investigation. The petitioners have submitted supporting documents, including the BDFA’s Memorandum of Association and media reports, to substantiate their claims.