Gopalakrishna Kosaraju accuses AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey of more financial mismanagement

Kosaraju has demanded the resignation of the AIFF President.

Gopalakrishna Kosaraju, the former president of the Andhra Pradesh Football Association, has stirred more controversy by making fresh allegations against Kalyan Chaubey, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Ajay Kipa, the Treasurer.

In a mail communication accessed by Khel Now, initiated by Kosaraju and circulated to all state associations and executive committee members of the AIFF, Kosaraju has raised serious concerns regarding financial irregularities and misconduct within the leadership of the organization.

In a mail to the executive committee accusing the leadership of trying to make political gains, he mentioned “I believe you had discussed in the ExCo meeting held on 30.01.2024 and I am with the belief that you had initiated the necessary action on the persons involved with the misuse of AIFF funds and necessary measures for safeguarding the AIFF funds.

“Everyone knew about the purchase of suit & shoes with the AIFF funds. Additionally records speak. If at all anyone tries to deny these, the same may be for the immediate political gains.”

Among the accusations, Kosaraju has pointed to unauthorized credit card expenditures, dubious payments to KPS Studios, Kolkata and renovation expenses for an office linked to Kalyan Chaubey in Kolkata. These allegations exacerbate existing worries about transparency and accountability within the AIFF.

Additionally, Kosaraju included a mail from Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, the AIFF’s legal head, which further cast aspersions on the financial conduct of the AIFF. “Shocking to hear and read that the Legal Head of AIFF Mr Nilanjan Bhattacharjee (In charge of National Centre of Excellence, A FIFA funded project at Kolkata) has sent the e-mail to AIFF on 04.02.2024 bringing out the financial irregularities & misdeeds mentioning the names of Mr. Kalyan Chaubey & Mr. Ajay Kipa,” he said.

Bhattacharjee’s email purportedly highlighted six pointers of financial misconduct and malpractice within the leadership group, including the nonpayment of dues of the lawyers, the Indigo Airlines deal and the tendering process for I-League telecast among others

Kosaraju also referenced a Supreme Court order dated August 3rd, 2022, which he states mandated the current regime to seek approval from the Supreme Court of India for making significant decisions after the three months, up until the Women’s U-17 FIFA World Cup. 

Kosaraju claims that the current regime failed to obtain the court’s approval for extending its authority to make major decisions post the U-17 FIFA World Cup. In line with the same the decision to withdraw from bidding for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, despite significant expenditure of Rs 72 lakhs from the AIFF’s coffers on bidding expenses, was unauthorised he notes. He further criticized the decision to host the Santosh Trophy in Saudi Arabia, funded by the AIFF, without appropriate authorization from the court, deeming such actions illegal.

“The honorable Supreme Court Orders dt 03.08.2022 mentioned the term of three months for the elected body in keeping view of the completion of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The new elected body hasn’t approached the Honorable Supreme Court For any Extension for taking the major decisions like withdrawal of the hosting bid for hosting AFC Championship in the year 2027( Ignoring the pre bidding expenses Rs 72.00 Lakhs) etc. And, the National Santhosh Trophy was conducted in another nation ” SAUDI ARABIA” with AIFF funds,” he complained.

Moreover, Kosaraju has raised objections to the appointment of General Secretary Satyanarayan, alleging that he has violated the constitution and societal norms in his dealings with the Karnataka State Football Association.

“At the same time AIFF has in charge General Secretary( who hasn’t responded till date for abusing the constitution & society act in the affairs of Karnataka State Football Association) who is with insufficient knowledge.“

Kosaraju also disclosed a legal notice issued by Kalyan Chaubey in response to his previous communication highlighting unauthorized credit card usage. He pointed that the AIFF President is seeking apology on one end while AIFF Legal Head has endorsed Misuse of AIFF funds on the other.

“Sending the legal notice To Me (Gopalakrishna Kosaraju) , the below signed.Received by Speed Post on 06.02.2024, enclosed below the legal notice received from Mr Sudarshan Kumar Agrawal demanding Public Apology to his client Mr. Kalyan Chaubey. 

“One side AIFF Legal Head has endorsed the misuse of AIFF funds. Other Side Mr Kalyan Chaubey engaged Another Advocate for sending the Legal Notice & demanding everything in the world. 

“AIFF & the custodians of AIFF should look into the same. “

Underling all the factors and allegations he has called the executive committee to ask for the resignation of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Treasurer Ajay Kipa.

“Both Mr Kalyan Chaubey & Mr Ajay are (do) not deserved to represent the AIFF.

“Being the stakeholders & custodians, you should demand resignation from Mr Kalyan Chaubey & Mr Ajay Kipa immediately,” he concluded on a rebellious note. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.