Kalyan Chaubey reveals ambitious plans for Indian Football

The AIFF President spoke to TOI and answered queries regarding the direction of Indian football.

In a riveting conversation with renowned journalist Marcus Mergulhao, All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey revealed his grand vision for Indian football, leaving fans and stakeholders buzzing with excitement.

From India's recent triumph in the SAFF Championship to the potential implementation of VAR lite technology, Chaubey's insights shed light on a promising future for the sport.

India's remarkable performance in the SAFF Championship, where they clinched their third trophy in an unbeaten 2023 campaign, took centre stage in the discussion.

Lofty aspirations for Indian football

When probed about his aspirations for Indian football, President Chaubey emphasized the urgent need to improve the country's FIFA ranking. Recognizing that a higher rank would grant India the advantage of facing stronger opponents, he stressed the importance of scheduling as many matches as possible for the national team.

Chaubey revealed plans for the team to engage in a rigorous schedule of 20-22 matches leading up to the AFC Asian Cup. He also emphasized the significance of establishing strong relations with foreign federations, expressing a desire to expand beyond the SAFF region and explore opportunities in CAFA, the Middle East, and the Gulf. According to Chaubey, consistent growth and improvement can only be achieved through systematic training, competitive matches, and learning from quality opponents.

Importance of playing stronger teams

Reflecting on the sensational turnaround in Indian football, President Chaubey credited the willingness to take risks and the relentless hard work put in by the team. Even if India had failed to secure the SAFF Championship, Chaubey emphasized the importance of inviting stronger teams from outside the region to enhance the team's preparedness for the AFC Asian Cup.

He believed that true growth comes from facing formidable opponents and learning from one's mistakes, all while maintaining a systematic training regime. Chaubey expressed his intention to continue extending invitations to foreign teams in future editions of the SAFF Championship, asserting that winning or losing the SAFF title was not the ultimate goal for Indian football.

Four-week camp ahead of AFC Asian Cup on the cards

As the discussion shifted to the forthcoming AFC Asian Cup and National Coach Igor Stimac's request for a four-week preparatory camp, President Chaubey acknowledged the challenges posed by overlapping schedules and FIFA guidelines.

He assured fans that the AIFF would make every effort to strike a balance and organize a camp within the limitations of the system, with the aim of providing the team with optimal preparation.

Five new clubs in I-League an opportunity for new talent to rise

President Chaubey's vision for Indian football extended to the AIFF's decision to grant direct entry into the I-League for five new corporate teams.

Despite concerns about the dilution of talent and competition, Chaubey saw this development in a positive light, expressing confidence in the ability of these teams to assemble competitive squads from the abundant talent pool in India.

VAR Lite implementation

The interview also delved into the subject of implementing VAR Lite technology, an issue that President Chaubey had previously addressed. While acknowledging the AIFF's plan and technical capacity for VAR, Chaubey revealed that the main obstacle lay in securing the necessary resources.

He disclosed ongoing discussions with the AIFF's marketing partner to find solutions within the constraints of the 2010 agreement signed with AIFF and IMG Reliance.

President Chaubey expressed optimism regarding the eventual implementation of VAR and mentioned the possibility of technical support from Saudi Arabia based on his recent trip to Belgium.

Praise for FSDL

Attention then turned to the AIFF's 15-year agreement with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which is set to expire soon. President Chaubey commended FSDL for their commendable efforts and investments in football, leading him to lean towards renewing the partnership, provided certain conditions are met.

In response to the concerns raised by Andhra Pradesh Football Association President Gopal Krishna Kosaraju, including issues related to salaries, appointments, the tender process, and President Chaubey's frequent travel, the AIFF President defended his actions.

Fruitful interactions with FIFA and AFC

Chaubey passionately highlighted the benefits of his extensive travels, aimed at exploring possibilities for the expansion of football. He emphasized the positive outcomes of his interactions with FIFA and AFC officials, as well as the overwhelming support received from state governments such as Odisha and Manipur.

Chaubey underscored the significance of building relationships and revealed that the decision to travel had been agreed upon by the AIFF's core committee and executive committee, dismissing the concerns raised by a singular individual.

President Kalyan Chaubey's exclusive interview showcased his unwavering determination to revolutionize Indian football. As his ambitious plans take shape, fans and stakeholders eagerly await the unfolding of a new era for the sport in the country.