File photo of AIFF executive committee member Valanka Alemao. New Delhi: All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee member and women’s football committee chairwoman Valanka Alemao Churchill has alleged that she was “targeted”, heckled and “harassed” by the governing body’s top brass for raising procedural irregularities. In a statement, the AIFF denied the claims.The alleged incident took place during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi on March 29.
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ISL commercial rights: AIFF gets two different offersIn her letter to fellow executive committee members, Alemao criticized AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, vice-president NA Harris and deputy general secretary M Satyanarayan.“I would like to record the absolutely disgusting behavior of AIFF President Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, Vice President Mr. NA Haris and Deputy General Secretary M. Satyanarayan… I feel deeply prejudiced and find that several attempts have been made by the President to suppress my voice…,” Valanka, the sole member of the AIFF Executive Committee, wrote in an email.“The President made remarks against me that were unnecessary and disrespectful. Along with DSG, he repeatedly raised his tone above an acceptable decibel with the intention of intimidating me…I was constantly targeted throughout the meeting.”In the recent past, Alemao has highlighted several irregularities in Indian football. She questioned the fact that members were not kept in the loop for the trading rights tender document.“I feel deeply prejudiced and have learned that Mr. President has made several attempts to suppress my voice. However, in the interest of the sport, I believe it is necessary for me to bring the incidents to the attention of the public to ensure that such actions do not occur again at future meetings,” she wrote in an email.“As a member of the executive committee, I have the authority and responsibility to question important agreements, provide feedback and voice my opposition to decisions that are unconstitutional and illegal,” she continued.“I was informed at the meeting that I had no right to seek details of the federation’s operations,” she said.“I believe my concerns about procedural irregularities over the past few months have alarmed a few members. And it is very disturbing to note that decisions were made and consents sought during this meeting without regard to the powers of the general body.”Alemao also criticized the AIFF officials for the poor preparation that hurt the Indian women’s team during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Ahead of the tournament earlier this month in Australia, players and coaching staff were given ill-fitting jerseys and became a moment of global embarrassment.The AIFF denies the claims, saying Alemao has vested interestsIn a statement later in the day, the AIFF denied the allegations and accused Churchill Brothers CEO Alemao of trying to force her way into the Indian Super League by “extraordinary means”.“The AIFF categorically rejects the recent allegations made by the Executive Committee of Ms. Valanka Alemao and wishes to record certain facts in the interest of transparency and clarity,” it said in a statement.“The AIFF reiterates that all meetings and decisions of the federation are conducted strictly in accordance with its constitution and established procedures.”Churchill Brothers are currently embroiled in a legal mess with the AIFF for not being promoted last season. The Goan club also accused AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey of conflict of interest with the Delhi High Court, which is hearing the proceedings.“Subsequently, several legal petitions were filed by Ms. Alemao’s family members. Despite being a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, Ms. Alemao repeatedly tried to influence the proceedings during official meetings to secure her club’s inclusion in the ISL,” the AIFF said.
