AIFF terminates ties with General Secretary Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran

AIFF Deputy Secretary Mr M Satyanarayan, will take charge on an interim basis

In a sudden turn of events, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to discharge its General Secretary Shaji Prabhakaran from all his duties with immediate effect. The decission has been announced by AIFF through a press release.

Shaji Prabhakaran’s departure has led to the hot seat being handed over to the Deputy Secretary General Mr. M Satyanarayan on an interim basis. Satyanarayan was the former Karnataka State Football Association Secretary.

What happened?

Shaji Prabhakaran was appointed as the AIFF’s 13th General Secretary following the election last year. Prabhakaran has been a key member of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey’s team ever since his appointment.

Shaji Prabhakaran and Kalyan Chaubey joined forces to bring necessary transformations at the AIFF for the betterment of the beautiful game. But, things haven’t gone as per the plan for either of the two parties.

As per reports, the AIFF General Secretary has not been on the same page as the AIFF President. And a prolonged difference in opinions with Kalyan Chaubey has put Shaji Prabhakaran’s time at the AIFF in jeopardy. And as a result, the AIFF president has proposed the immediate sacking of Shaji Prabhakaran.

AIFF stated in it’s press release that, “the services of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran have been terminated due to breach of trust with immediate effect as of November 7, 2023.”

Prabhakaran’s comments

Shaji Prabhakaran has written to the AIFF executive committee stating that his termination has no constitutional validity and he has always given his 100% for the game.

“As per AIFF Constitution, it is the Executive Committee that can only dismiss or terminate the General Secretary. Thus, this termination has no constitutional validity and approval of the Executive Committee,” he wrote.

Shaji Prabhakaran also mentioned that there is some ‘conspiracy’ behind his sacking.

“I must say that there must be some conspiracy behind this decision, which I am not able to understand. I must say, this is a totally irresponsible decision at a time when AIFF governance matters are still under discussion and scrutiny across,” he added.

The 51-year-old also said that he has not made any bad decisions fro Indian Football.

“I have worked with 100% honesty, and I have not made any decision that was bad for football in India, and it is the fact that I didn’t interfere in the decision of the Judicial Bodies for which I was pressurised,” he wrote.

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