'It's been disastrous': Bhaichung Bhutia slams AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey, latter calls it 'baseless allegations'
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.'
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'
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.
'
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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'.
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