Latest news with #Bhutia
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)
&w=3840&q=100)
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.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Bhaichung Bhutia Blasts Kalyan Chaubey For Turning AIFF Into 'Circus', Top Official Responds
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia on Friday made a scathing attack on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) leadership, calling the current administration under president Kalyan Chaubey a "circus" riddled with all-round mismanagement. Chaubey hit back through an official statement, dismissing the allegations as 'baseless' and accusing Bhutia of 'deliberately distorting the image of AIFF'. In a no-holds-barred press conference, Bhutia said Indian football has been experiencing one of the worst phases in recent history -- both in performance and credibility -- under the stewardship of Chaubey. 'The AIFF today is a circus. And when you put jokers in those positions, it's bound to become a circus,' Bhutia said, pointing to the federation's inability to resolve the I-League championship impasse between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers. The fate of the I-League title hinges on a Court of Arbitration for Sport's verdict on the appeal filed by Inter Kashi against a decision of the AIFF's Appeals Committee. '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,' said Bhutia. Bhutia repeated his earlier criticism of Chaubey's decision to withdraw India's bid to host the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, leaving Saudi Arabia the sole candidate in the fray. "Why did we suddenly withdraw our 2027 AFC Asian Cup bid and agree to host the Santosh Trophy in Saudi Arabia instead? This has to be investigated by someone neutral,' said Bhutia, alleging "financial misuse" by the AIFF president. Chaubey has now expressed India's interest in bidding for the 2031 edition of the AFC Asian Cup. 'When we had the best chance, we gave it away. Now we're looking at 2031 where seven countries, including World Cup-qualified Uzbekistan, are interested. It makes no sense,' said the legendary striker. Dismissing Bhutia's allegations, Chaubey 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.' Chaubey invited Bhutia to the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee meeting on July 2, saying he can raise his concerns and suggestions there. 'He 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,' Chaubey said in an AIFF statement. PTI 'Not interested in contesting AIFF elections if there's govt interference' =========================================== Bhutia, who lost a lopsided election for the AIFF president against Chaubey in 2022, said he's not keen on contesting polls again if there is interference from the government. "If there is interference from the government and other various things, then I don't think I would want to get into fighting an election for the AIFF president. "But yes, if everybody feels that I can do a job, I am okay with it... If somebody is going to sincerely do good for Indian football, I am more than happy to support." On whether sports and politics can mix, he said: "Ideally, it's not bad. We've seen politicians like Mr (Priyaranjan) Das Munshi and Praful Patel do a decent job. But because of Kalyan, now all sportspersons are being tagged badly." Bhutia further criticised Manolo Marquez's earlier dual role (both FC Goa and India coach) and highlighted the lack of planning and clarity on the part of the AIFF. "We should have sat with Manolo Marquez and asked him to choose -- either FC Goa or India. Or wait for six months. There was no plan. No meeting of the technical committee. "I don't mind Indian coaches, but for grassroots and long-term development, we need experts from Portugal, Spain... Those who've worked in academy systems." He also took potshots at AIFF's handling of the negotiations with Indian Super League organisers FSDL regarding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) which ends in December.
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.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'It's been disastrous': Bhaichung Bhutia slams AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey, latter calls it 'baseless allegations'
Kalyan Chaubey has responded to Baichung Bhutia's comments, labelling them as baseless allegations (Image via X/@AllIndiaFtbl & IFTWC) Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has launched a stinging attack on All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey, accusing him of mismanagement and corruption that he says have pushed Indian football backwards both on and off the field. Speaking to PTI, Bhutia did not hold back in his assessment of Chaubey's tenure, saying ' I don't need to say much. I think the entire football fans in India are aware of what has happened in the last three years — it's been disastrous, not just on the field but off the field also. It's just been a disastrous and bad management of the football federation under Kalyan Chaubey ,' Bhutia said. The 48-year-old, however, ruled himself out and added that he hoped "somebody nice who can take the game forward would come and run the Football federation." Bhutia's comments come at a time when India's football scene has faced mounting criticism over inconsistent performances, administrative challenges, and concerns about accountability and transparency. Chaubey dismisses 'baseless allegations' In an official statement, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey addressed the claims of corruption and poor governance. He highlighted the executive boards principles of 'transparency, collaboration and the collective development of Indian football.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo WV Raman backs Shubman Gill to fire in England: 'He needs the right support' ' We 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 ,' Chaubey stated. He also wrote, '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. ' Poll Do you agree with Bhaichung Bhutia's criticism of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey? Yes, I completely agree No, I disagree While Bhutia's blunt remarks have reignited debate about the direction and governance of Indian football, Chaubey appealed for unity and a collective push forward. He also stressed that Bhutia has ' consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF ." The President exclaimed that such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the Federation, but also throw Indian football in a negative light on international platforms. Moreover, the AIFF President has also 'welcomed' Bhutia to contest in the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for July 2, 2025, and that 'he is encouraged to present any constructive proposals during the meeting, which will duly be deliberated upon by the entire executive board'. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
