Former Indian Captain Bhaichung Bhutia launched a terrifying attack on the All India (AIFF) football Federation and its President Kalyan Chaubey and accused them of destruction of football in the country and demanded complete overwork of the system.
Bhutian scary notes came the day after India suffered embarrassing defeat 0-1 To Hong Kong – in the world in the world – in the third round of AFC Asian Cup. The result leaves India hope for qualifications for the Asian Cup 2027 hanging at the fiber.
“It is very painful to see that we are now trying to qualify for the Asia Cup, which we have regularly made,” said Bhutia PTI, his frustration reflected the frustration of fans across the country.
“Countries like Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Jordan have been qualified for the World Championship and are still fighting for a place in Asia. It’s very unfortunate,” he added, pointing to Indian stagnation compared to their Asian peers.
Bhutia, who lost to Chaubey in the presidential AFF elections in September 2022, did not delay in her criticism and said, “Kalyan Chaubey destroyed Indian football. He must resign him.
Bhutia emphasized instability in the federation and noted that AIFF has three general secretaries in just over two years. “The whole structure needs to be changed. The system is broken,” he said.
The defeat in Hong Kong was followed by a three-week training camp in Calcutta and is expected to move India to 133 in the FIFA ranking. The current head coach, Manolo Marquez-Who, is also in charge of the Isl Club FC Goa-Has. Now the rumors are growing that he is not willing to continue the role.
“The appointment of Marquez was carried out by bypassing the Technical Commission,” Bhutia said. “Trains FC Goa and the national team at the same time. How is it even allowed? Is it a complete mockery.”
Bhutia also criticized the decision to bring Sunil Chheter from an international retirement for Hong Kong accessories and called it an act of despair rather than strategies. “It was a kind gesture from him to return, but overall it was a bad decision. We heard the Federation pushed on it, but what changed?” he asked.
He also killed the Federation for the ongoing I-League controversy, where the title race between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers was disturbed by legal disputes. “The controversy after the controversy, the charges of corruption months have passed and we still do not know who the I-League winner is,” Bhutia said.
Bhutia also ridiculed the AIFF decision to offer a bonus for a match in Hong Kong $ 50,000 (around 42 lakh) instead of connecting it to the qualification. “Why not perform a reward -based performance? It simply shows how helpless leadership is,” he said.
He lamented over a lack of development at local level and growing chaos outside the field, which he believes is now directly affecting the field performance. “Nothing happens at the local level. The only thing we hear is the negative news from the top, and this is reflected in the results,” Bhutia said.
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 11, 2025
