AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey hits back at Bhutia, urges unity in football row

India Today

20-06-2025

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 leadership.In a statement released by the AIFF, Chaubey reaffirmed the federation's commitment to unity and progress.advertisement'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,' 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 Kolkata.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 read.advertisement'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.'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 said.He 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 said.Chaubey, 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 stated.Amid the ongoing tensions, Chaubey extended an invitation to Bhutia to attend the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee meeting on July 2, 2025.advertisement'Mr. 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 concluded.Bhutia 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 Arabia.As 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.