Sunando Dhar not to continue as AIFF deputy general secretary

Dhar was with the AIFF since 2010.

Sunando Dhar, the deputy general secretary of AIFF (All India Football Federation) has been relieved from his responsibilities effective, February 20, 2023. The internal communication among the AIFF (as per The Times of India) stated, “Dhar has personal commitments and responsibilities due to which he is unable to continue with the federation.”

Anil Kamat, the assistant general secretary will take over the responsibilities from Sunando Dhar and according to the sources, there will not be any appointment in the role of the deputy general secretary. Kamat has been with the AIFF for more than two decades and has been in charge of several tournaments for a long time. He will be taking over additional responsibilities and also roles relating to the national team.

Who is Sunando Dhar?

Sunando Dhar had been with the AIFF since 2010 and was appointed as the CEO of I-League the very same year. He was appointed the acting general secretary by the CoA (Committee of Administrators) last year when Kushal Das had gone on leave due to health issues. 

He was looking after the footballing activities when FIFA banned AIFF for third-party interference. Dhar held onto the position till a new committee led by former India goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey took charge and Shaji Prabhakaran was appointed as the secretary general in September last year. 

Prior to working with AIFF, Dhar worked at a sports marketing company in India for 13 years (General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Leisure Sports Management Pvt. Ltd). At AIFF, he was involved in creating a sustainable club revenue model, which would enable clubs to become commercially viable and contribute towards the development of the sport in India. He worked closely in conducting Golden Baby leagues and several youth leagues. The main role of Sunando Dhar in 2010, was to professionalize the leagues in India.