'Deliberate attempt to tarnish my image' - AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey denies corruption charges in letter to members

The AIFF chief has been accused of using AIFF credit cards for personal shopping and trips among other corruption charges.

Following the allegations of corruption by the legal head of AIFF Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, President Kalyan Chaubey gave his clarifications on the charges made by Nilanjan Bhattacharjee in an e-mail written to the member associations of AIFF and the executive committee members.

The former India goalkeeper alleged foul play and deliberate attempt to tarnish his image especially before the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections. Kalyan Chaubey had contested the Lok Sabha election in 2019 on BJP’s ticket against Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar constituency but lost. However, he is once again favourite to contest the election on BJP’s ticket.

Nilanjan Bhattacharjee had previously written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur alleging the corruption charges and demanding a probe into the matter.

Kalyan Chaubey pleaded his innocence and gave his detailed clarification on every alleged charge in an e-mail shared by him. “There is no doubt in my mind that this (corruption charges) is a concerted and systematic effort to malign me before the AIFF AGM and also at the time when our country is gearing up for the Lok Sabha Election.

“I understand that Bhattacharjee has written a communication to Hon. Prime Minister, Hon. Home Minister, Hon Sports Minister, BJP Delhi Head Quarter, BJP Media Head, BJP Media Deputy Head and spread his allegations through Press Trust of India so that it can be picked up by multiple media. The motive and agenda in tarnishing my image and reputation are visible and obvious,“ he wrote.

Moreover, he pleaded his innocence on all the allegations made against him.

Indigo Deal

It is worth noting that Kalyan Chaubey is also a member of Indian Olympics Association (IOA) and had requested the Indigo CEO for a customized Aircraft with a Tiranga theme during the Asian Games. Unfortunately, Indigo did not have permission to land the aircraft in Hangzhou, China. Moreover, the CEO denied any sponsorship but assured the marketing team of Indigo and FSDL will look into the matter. Chaubey also has claimed that no deal was ever signed and that a draft of the agreement will be tabled in the AGM.

“…since Indigo is a low cost airlines and their market presence is already 62%, therefore their company doesn’t have any policy for sponsorship, however as a respect to the proposal from the President of AIFF, he will ask Indigo’s marketing team to discuss with AIFF marketing department for a scope of partnership. So, our meeting ended there and it was decided to take this discussion forward by the Marketing teams of both (AIFF & Indigo) the organisations and with the approval from FSDL, “ he quoted in his mail.

I-League Tenders

Kalyan Chaubey stated that the tender of 2022-23 I-League was jointly finalised by the previous board and Mr. Nilanjan Bhattacharjee was part of the tender selection and award process and had raised no objection during that period.

“Season 2022-2023, Hero I-league production company was finalised after joint technical evaluation between AIFF and FSDL. AIFF was represented by Shaji Prabhakaran, Secretary General Sunando Dhar, Deputy Secretary General Nildeep Mondal, Senior Manager – Digital Marketing, Sponsor Servicing and FSDL was represented by James and Rahul Mehta. It would be pertinent to request a report from FSDL on the technical evaluation process and as to why KPS Studio was chosen,“ he claimed.

Dummy cameras

Bhattacharjee alleged that dummy cameras were used in the 2022-23 season of the I-League. However, Chaubey counter alleged Bhattacharjee and remarked, “It is difficult to understand why Bhattacharjee never brought this to anyone’s notice over the last almost 15 months if he was privy to such information, leading to serious questions about his credibility, complicity and motives.”

Travelling charges

Chaubey shared glimpses of his lifestyle at AIFF and believed he had saved the money of the federation as compared to the travelling policy. He assured the member associations to present the travel policy during the Executive Committee meeting and AGM.

Highlighting the facts he mentioned a few examples, “a) The President AIFF is entitled to travel by Business Class but almost every single time I have travelled by Economy class. (Travel Policy will be presented at EC & AGM).

“b) The President AIFF is entitled to stay in suite rooms but almost every single time I have stayed in standard rooms. (Travel Policy will be present at the EC / AGM) ………”

Credit card and Financial Misconduct

Kalyan Chaubey rebutted claims of using any AIFF Credit Cards during his tenure and said that bank statements will be presented in the EC meeting/AGM for everyone’s pursual. Stating on the topic he said, “I have never used the official AIFF Credit Card to buy shoes or suits or any other personal items. This is a ridiculous allegation to try and gain headlines that show me in poor light.”

Moreover, Chaubey has asked AIFF’s internal auditors Deloitte to be present in the meeting and that they will be addressing the queries of the members if any. “I have asked our internal auditors Deloitte to be present in the EC meeting/AGM. They will be happy to address any queries regarding financial management of AIFF and to allay any doubts,” the e-mail stated.

Interference with AIFF’s judicial body

Advocate Nilanjan Bhattacharjee had accused the AIFF of influencing a said decision regarding Churchill Brothers. The owner of the Goan club is also an Executive Committee member. Chaubey, however, claimed he never influenced the decision.

“With respect to the allegation that I have tried to influence decisions of the judicial bodies of the AIFF is unfounded and ridiculous. I have done nothing to favour any club, whether those owned by members of the ExCo or any other club. As for the matter relating to Churchill Brothers which is implied in the allegation, all ExCo members are aware of the request made by Ms. Valanka Alemao and the circumstances around that decision that was subsequently taken by the judicial body,” he commented.

Personal Trips

The former Mohun Bagan goalkeeper was alleged that he used the federation’s money for his personal trips. The President denied the allegations and quoted he made trips only to help the member associations and or to renovate stadiums, football pitches, etc.

“Since our team has taken charge, I have travelled to 25 States/UT out of 36 Member Associations. Friends, most of you have hosted me and you must have experienced my intentions, energy and quality and seen my ability to inspire various departments of respective State Governments.

”Most of my meetings either helped Member Associations to get their respective States to renovate or get new stadiums or football fields (natural or artificial) or to get full or partial financial support to host NFC or the National Camp.”

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