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India Gazette
an hour ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Bhutia slams Kalyan Chaubey's leadership; AIFF chief says former captain making baseless allegations
New Delhi [India], June 21 (ANI): Former India football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia has launched a scathing attack on All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey, saying that 'controversies, corruption charges, allegations' in the last two to three years have significantly damaged Indian football and that someone who will 'work sincerely and honestly' to uplift Indian football should be brought in his place. Chaubey hit back and said in statement that while Bhutia has platforms available to express his views, raise concerns, and contribute constructively for improving Indian football, he has 'consistently made baseless allegations' since his defeat in the September 2022 elections. Bhutia alleged that those who supported Chaubey in the past 'have realised their mistake'. 'I can't say whether the football will rise after Kalyan Chaubey's removal, but it definitely won't decline further. In the last 2-3 years, rankings, controversies, corruption charges, allegations, three general secretary significantly damaged Indian football... The government of India has supported sportspeople well to lead, but when the wrong people are placed in charge, it harms everyone involved. When you have people like Kalyan, it damages everyone's reputation. Those who supported him have also realised their mistake... My only request is that we bring in somebody who will work sincerely and honestly for the upliftment of football,' Bhutia told ANI. In his statement Chaubey said 'such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the Federation, but also throw Indian football in a negative light on international platforms'. 'We live in a democratic country where every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of speech. As a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has access to an appropriate and empowered platform to express his views, raise concerns, and contribute constructively towards the development and performance of Indian football in the various AIFF Executive Committee meetings,' he said. 'It has been observed that since Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia's defeat in the September 2022 elections, he has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF,' he added. Chaubey said he is open to suggestions and discussions with Bhutia. 'The AIFF always remains open to constructive suggestions from Mr. Bhutia for the growth and betterment of Indian football. However, it is unfortunate that in most Executive Committee meetings, his contributions have primarily centred around opposing decisions made collectively by the entire board, rather than offering substantial proposals,' the statement said 'Having said that, I would like to inform you that Mr. Bhutia is most welcome to participate in the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for July 2, 2025. The official invitation for his attendance was extended by the AIFF Secretariat on June 11, 2025. He is encouraged to present any constructive proposals during the meeting, which will be duly deliberated upon by the entire executive board in the spirit of transparency, collaboration, and the collective development of Indian football,' the statement added. (ANI)
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First Post
4 hours ago
- Politics
- First Post
Kalyan Chaubey responds to Bhaichung Bhutia's 'circus' remark, invites him to AIFF meeting
Indian football is witnessing internal tensions as AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has responded strongly to Bhaichung Bhutia's criticism of the federation. Chaubey called Bhutia's allegations baseless and invited him to the upcoming Executive Committee meeting. read more Indian football's internal fight took a dramatic turn as All India Football Federation (AIFF) President of the current administration. Bhutia, who has been a vocal critic of the AIFF, recently called the apex body a 'circus' and accused the leadership of mismanagement. In a press conference, Bhutia pulled no punches, saying, 'The AIFF today is a circus. And when you put jokers in those positions, it's bound to become a circus. 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.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He particularly slammed the federation's handling of the I-League title dispute between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers. AIFF president responds to Bhutia's criticism Meanwhile, Kalyan Chaubey has responded to the criticism and said that while he respects Bhutia's right to express his views, the former skipper has consistently made 'baseless allegations' since his election loss in 2022. 'We live in a democratic country where every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of speech. As a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has access to an appropriate and empowered platform to express his views, raise concerns, and contribute constructively towards the development and performance of Indian football in the various AIFF Executive Committee meetings,' Chaubey said. More from Football Chaubey further said that the federation is always open to suggestions but claimed that Bhutia's inputs during Executive Committee meetings have mostly been about opposing board decisions. Despite the criticism, Chaubey invited Bhutia to the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee meeting, stating that an official invitation was already sent to him and he is welcome to present his views. 'However, it has been observed that since Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia's defeat in the September 2022 elections, he has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF. Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the Federation, but also throw Indian football in a negative light on international platforms,' he added. 'The AIFF always remains open to constructive suggestions from Mr. Bhutia for the growth and betterment of Indian football. However, it is unfortunate that in most Executive Committee meetings, his contributions have primarily centred around opposing decisions made collectively by the entire board, rather than offering substantial proposals," Chaubey said. 'Having said that, I would like to inform you that Mr. Bhutia is most welcome to participate in the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for July 2, 2025. The official invitation for his attendance was extended by the AIFF Secretariat on June 11, 2025," he added.
India Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey hits back at Bhutia, urges unity in football row
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has officially responded to former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia's scathing criticism of the All India Football Federation, urging a shift from public attacks to constructive collaboration. Bhutia had recently launched a blistering attack on the AIFF, accusing the federation of mismanagement, corruption, and lack of footballing vision under Chaubey's a statement released by the AIFF, Chaubey reaffirmed the federation's commitment to unity and follow two slogans – 'football unites the world' and 'Indian football, forward together'. These slogans reflect our shared vision, and I firmly believe that by working together, we can take Indian football to greater heights,' the statement read. Bhutia had previously questioned Chaubey's footballing credentials and leadership, going as far as to accuse him of prioritising politics over performance.'I didn't see Kalyan playing much in the national team. He was the third or fourth goalkeeper He has given more attention to politics than playing,' Bhutia said during a press conference in his response, Chaubey acknowledged Bhutia's right to free speech but criticised his repeated public outbursts since losing the AIFF presidential election in September 2022.'We live in a democratic country where every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of speech. As a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has access to an appropriate and empowered platform to express his views, raise concerns, and contribute constructively,' the statement has been observed that since Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia's defeat in the September 2022 elections, he has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF. Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the Federation but also throw Indian football in a negative light on international platforms.'Bhutia had earlier described the AIFF as a 'circus' and called for Chaubey's resignation.'Kalyan Chaubey has destroyed Indian football. He must resign. He has completely ruined it,' Bhutia also questioned the decision-making within the AIFF, raising issues with coach appointments, failed Asia Cup campaigns, and administrative opacity.'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 in turn, claimed that Bhutia has not used his position in the Executive Committee to offer tangible solutions.'It is unfortunate that in most Executive Committee meetings, his contributions have primarily centred around opposing decisions made collectively by the entire board, rather than offering substantial proposals,' the AIFF president the ongoing tensions, Chaubey extended an invitation to Bhutia to attend the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee meeting on July 2, Bhutia is most welcome to participate... He is encouraged to present any constructive proposals during the meeting, which will be duly deliberated upon by the entire executive board in the spirit of transparency, collaboration, and the collective development of Indian football,' the statement had also raised concerns over the I-League title dispute, the hasty return of Sunil Chhetri from retirement, and alleged irregularities in the federation's international dealings, including a failed Asia Cup hosting bid and the nature of its agreement with Saudi Indian football continues to struggle on and off the pitch—with defeats like the one to Hong Kong, a slip in FIFA rankings, and confusion around the coaching setup—this public rift between two of the sport's prominent figures has only intensified the spotlight on the federation's direction. The July 2 meeting now holds added significance for the future course of Indian football.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chaubey using AIFF president's post for political gain: Bhutia
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia blamed All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey for Indian football's current predicament saying that the latter is using his post for political gain. 'For first time we have a president of the football federation using his position for political mileage by offering some opposition leader a post in AIFF to gain support in the elections.' 'Shame' 'It is such a shame that he has downgraded the post of the AIFF president by doing that,' Bhutia said during an interaction with the media at the Calcutta Sports Journalists' Club on Friday. A lot of people who supported him at that time (the last AIFF elections in September 2022) are regretting it today. I am happy that they are now realising (the mistake)they have done. 'I hope in the next elections they would bring in somebody who has got the sincerity to take football forward and not support anybody who wants to do all the dodgy deals,' Bhutia said. The legendary striker said that he won't be contesting the elections if there is political interference. The Supreme Court is expected to give its verdict on the formalisation of a new AIFF constitution next month, following which there is a possibility of fresh elections in the Football House. Bhutia was upset with the way the AIFF under Chaubey's charge mismanaged the negotiations with its marketing partner FSDL as it failed to finalise the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) thereby throwing the Indian Super League's future in doubt. 'No answer' 'Unfortunately the people entrusted with the task of negotiating with FSDL are just going to meetings having tea, pizza and returning after listening to FSDl's side of the deal. When I asked the AIFF people, what did you propose? They didn't have any answer,' Bhutia added.
Hans India
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Kalyan Chaubey has turned AIFF into a 'circus': Bhaichung Bhutia
Kolkata: Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia highlighted poor management in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) alleged that its president Kalyan Chaubey has turned the sport's national body into a "circus" and he himself does not know what is his plan of 'Vision 2047'. AIFF Vision 2047 is a strategic roadmap developed by AIFF to transform Indian football into a powerhouse in Asia by the year 2047. In a recent press conference, Bhutia pointed at the sad state of affairs of football in the country which has led to many wondering what the future of the sport. 'It is very unfortunate that we are 133rd in rankings. We can all see we are struggling in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. I believe we have a good chance of qualifying but at the same time we have to realise that the Asian Cup now has 24 teams, compared to 16 during my captaincy, so we must qualify. 'Our great President Kalyan Chaubey had earlier said we will be in the top 10 in Asia by 2026. Now he is saying we should have prepared for this 10 years ago. In three years under Kalyan Chaubey, even our women's team has gone down. I think he himself does not know what 'Vision 2047' is,' the former India striker said in a press conference. Following Igor Stimac's turbulent exit and India's elimination from the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the team went winless throughout 2024. Their only victory came in March when veteran striker Sunil Chhetri came out of retirement to lead the side to a 3-0 win over the Maldives - India's first win in 489 days. Bhutia compared the current state of the AIFF to a circus and called Chaubey a "joker". 'Anybody following Indian football knows it's a circus right now, and obviously if you put a joker in that position then that is what will happen,' he said. The AIFF president had also accused the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools, a chain of commercial football academies run by the former striker, of "taking undue advantage by playing on emotions". Bhaichung addressed the allegations and spoke on the progress of his academies. 'I usually don't talk about Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools during a press conference but it is high time. We had started the tournament 12 years back and within 2-3 years we decided we needed to be sustainable. That is when we started the after-school programme. 30% of students are on a full scholarship whereas 70% were focused on after-school programmes. We have got 220 coaches, 70 centres and are the biggest grassroots programme in the nation. All the money that comes in goes towards our goal. 'Kalyan had talked about the FIFA Academy, four players were from our school. He talked about the women's academy, our club Garhwal FC had won the tournament in which they (Indian Arrows) finished runners-up (Indian Women's League 2). He himself has not done anything to contribute to football, even when he played he was focused on politics,' Bhutia added.
