FIFA to not associate with Santosh Trophy this season; sources cite 'venue' concerns

Arunachal Pradesh being the venue has compelled FIFA to take such a stand.

In a surprising twist, FIFA has opted not to associate with the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy this season, citing concerns related to the chosen venue, as per a report from The Telegraph. The final leg of the Santosh Trophy is scheduled to take place in Arunachal Pradesh in February-March next year, and sources indicate that FIFA is mindful of the potential diplomatic implications vis-a-vis China’s stance on the northeastern state.

The decision has thrown the All India Football Federation (AIFF) into a quandary, prompting the federation to submit a fresh proposal to FIFA for consideration. According to sources, AIFF is keen on having FIFA’s association with the tournament, starting from the next season, but at a venue deemed “non-controversial.”

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey had made a significant announcement during an executive committee meeting in early November, proclaiming that the Santosh Trophy would carry the prestigious FIFA prefix. He stated, “I am happy to announce that after having discussions with FIFA, the Santosh Trophy will now be known as the FIFA Santosh Trophy. This entails that a team of FIFA officials will come to have a meeting with Arunachal Pradesh officials on the conduct of the tournament. We also expect the FIFA president (Gianni Infantino) to be present for the final on March 9 or 10.”

However, the latest development has become an embarrassment for both Chaubey and the treasurer, Kipa Ajay, who is also the secretary of the state football association. Arunachal Pradesh is considered a stronghold of Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Kipa has close ties to the minister.

Chaubey defended the situation, and told The Telegraph, “There was nothing official. We had just lobbed an idea to FIFA about its association with a prestigious tournament like Santosh Trophy. So how can one say that the world governing body has distanced itself from the tournament this season? There is a high chance that FIFA will be with us from next season, and that would be a huge boost for the tournament.”

However, questions have been raised about whether the AIFF prematurely made the announcement without FIFA’s consent. A senior official remarked, “Was FIFA told that Arunachal would be the venue? That’s the question members should be asking the top bosses now.”

Sources revealed that the AIFF kept quiet about FIFA’s reservations over Arunachal Pradesh as a tournament venue due to the wushu controversy during the Hangzhou Asian Games in September-October. India had strongly protested against China for barring three wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh, leading to their withdrawal from the Asian Games. As a mark of protest, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur had cancelled his visit to Hangzhou.

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