Bhaichung Bhutia Slams AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Calls for Resignation

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Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia has raised serious concerns over the leadership of All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey. Bhutia, known for his 16-year-long illustrious career with the national team, didn't mince words, accusing Chaubey of damaging both the AIFF and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

Bhutia's discontent stems from multiple controversies surrounding Chaubey's tenure, including allegations of corruption and controversial decisions regarding Indian football. Bhutia expressed deep disappointment in Chaubey's actions, especially regarding his unauthorized claim of the role of acting CEO of the IOA.

"We've never had such negative publicity before that has happened under Kalyan," Bhutia remarked in an interview with IANS. The AIFF, under Chaubey's leadership, has faced significant backlash due to several decisions in recent times.

Decisions, such as relocating the Santosh Trophy to Saudi Arabia and Chaubey's controversial comments about North East Indian players, whom he claimed were not tall enough. "He's already ruined the Football Federation, and now he's trying to damage the Indian Olympic Association as well," Bhutia noted.

He added that these decisions have tarnished the federation's credibility. The controversy reached a new level when PT Usha, president of the IOA, publicly accused Chaubey of impersonating the IOA's acting CEO and issuing an unauthorized agenda for an upcoming Special General Meeting (SGM).

Usha revealed that Chaubey circulated an official letterhead with an agenda that included a vote of no confidence against her. She emphasized that Chaubey has no authority to act as CEO, further deepening the crisis in Indian sports governance.

On the football front, Bhutia is also concerned about the AIFF's direction. Under Chaubey, the national team has had a poor 2024, with no wins yet. Additionally, the U-20 team once considered a beacon for the future of Indian football, failed to qualify for the Asia Cup, casting doubt on the federation's grassroots development.

With corruption allegations mounting, including claims from AIFF's former principal legal advisor Nilanjan Bhattacharjee and ex-general secretary Shaji Prabhakaran, Bhutia believes it is time for Chaubey to resign. "It's time to step down, accept the new constitutions, and call the elections," Bhutia urged, calling for fresh leadership to restore Indian football's reputation.