Bhaichung Bhutia Urges Overhaul of AIFF for Football's Future in India

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The legendary Bhaichung Bhutia has criticised the current leadership of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), blaming them for the national team's recent poor performances.

He highlighted the lack of a clear plan for Indian football, which led to a 0-3 defeat against Syria and a 0-0 draw with Mauritius in the Intercontinental Cup.

India's failure to progress to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, despite an easy draw, resulted in the dismissal of former head coach Igor Stimac. This situation has escalated into a legal dispute with Stimac. Bhutia emphasised that the federation must focus on advancing Indian football rather than just having plans like Vision 2046 on paper.

Call for Administrative Overhaul

Bhutia has called for a complete overhaul of the AIFF administration. "I think it's not a great sign; we have been on the decline for quite some time now. From being ranked in the top 100 to going down to 125. I think football needs a new governing body and election and a fresh start," he stated in an exclusive interview on Friday (September 13).

Bhutia stressed the need for serious discussions and debates to move the game forward. He mentioned that the AIFF's constitution needs reform, and he hopes for a swift verdict from the Supreme Court. "The federation has to have a new constitution and a new body, a new election has to happen," he added.

Focus on Performance

Bhutia criticised the AIFF's focus on social activities over football performance. "In the last two years, the amount of controversies and allegations happening is so negative for the sport," he observed. He recounted an Executive Committee meeting where discussions centred more on terrorism in Bastar than football.

"It's great you do a social thing but the federation's primary job is not about doing social things only; it's about performance, getting results from the national team and junior team," Bhutia pointed out. He believes that focusing on these areas is crucial for Indian football's progress.

New Leadership Needed

Following Stimac's termination, Manolo Márquez was appointed as head coach of India's men's team while also managing ISL side FC Goa. Bhutia expressed his views on leadership, saying, "I am not looking at it; I think in India we need a good set of people coming in, who have a good vision for the game because that is what we require right now."

Bhutia clarified that his focus is not on fighting for presidency but on supporting football. "I quit my politics, in terms of electorate politics, but I am always there to support football," he said. He concluded by emphasising that India has good talent at the grassroots level but needs better management to succeed.