Former national team skipper Bhaichung Bhutia launched a scathing attack on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its president, Kalyan Chaubey, during a press conference in Kolkata on June 20.
Bhutia describing the current state of Indian football as chaotic and mismanaged under Chaubey’s leadership, stated that, “The AIFF today is a circus. And when you put jokers in those positions, it’s bound to become a circus,”
Futher Bhutia, pointed specifically to the unresolved I-League championship dispute between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers as a symbol of the federation’s dysfunction, “They (AIFF) should have made a clear decision when the controversy erupted. Instead, they let the league continue in confusion. Clubs were treated unfairly. It’s embarrassing for Indian football,” he said
Bhutia also questioned the rationale behind the AIFF’s withdrawal of India’s bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and raised allegations of “financial misuse” in the federation’s dealings. He accused Chaubey of prioritizing politics over football and called for his resignation, “Kalyan Chaubey has destroyed Indian football. He must resign. He has completely ruined it,” Bhutia asserted
He further lamented the lack of grassroots development and transparency, “There’s absolutely nothing happening at the grassroots level. All we hear is negative news from the top, and that’s reflecting in the results,” Bhutia said
Similarly, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey responded swiftly, dismissing Bhutia’s accusations as unfounded and damaging to the sport’s reputation.
Speaking with national media, he said “As a member of the (AIFF) Executive Committee, Mr. Bhutia has access to appropriate and empowered platforms to express his views.”
“However, since his defeat in September 2022 (AIFF president’s election), he has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF. These actions tarnish the federation’s reputation and Indian football internationally,” he added
“He (Bhaichung Bhutia) is most welcome to present any constructive proposals, which will be duly deliberated upon in the spirit of transparency, collaboration, and collective development of Indian football,” added Chaubey
