Indian football in turmoil: Over 20 state associations to move against AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey

Kalyan Chaubey was elected the AIFF president in September 2022.

Discontent is brewing within Indian football as more than 20 state associations prepare to file a no-confidence motion against All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey. Backed by members of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the associations plan to invoke Article 23(4) of the AIFF constitution to demand an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), according to a report in Hindustan Times.

According to the AIFF constitution, an EGM must be called within 60 days if at least one-third of its 36 member associations request it. A former state association president, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, expressed confidence that support would exceed the 12 associations required, potentially reaching double that number. Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir, however, currently lack voting rights in the AIFF.

“I am confident we will get double that.” said the former state FA President to Hindustan Times.

Despite the growing unrest, no alternative candidate for the presidency has been discussed so far. A Western India state association president remarked that although he initially supported Kalyan Chaubey—who was elected in 2022 as a former goalkeeper with a 14-year career—the AIFF has been marred by a series of controversies under his leadership. Chaubey had defeated former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia to take on the role.

“I have nothing against him personally and I was happy that a former footballer had got the most important job in AIFF. But since he took over, there has been only bad news emerging out of AIFF. Especially, after Shaji left,” said the state unit president speaking to Hindustan Times. “We are planning to meet in a fortnight and place our demand to AIFF.”

What caused the dissent against AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey?

The sudden removal of Shaji Prabhakaran, former secretary-general of AIFF, in November 2023 has added fuel to the controversy. Prabhakaran has filed complaints with AIFF, AFC, and FIFA’s ethics committees, alleging violations of ethical codes under Kalyan Chaubey’s leadership. A state association official from eastern India raised concerns about key administrative decisions, such as the inclusion of individuals without relevant expertise on interview panels for coaching roles.

Under Kalyan Chaubey’s leadership, the AIFF faced a series of challenges. In September 2024, the organization paid $400,000 in compensation to former men’s national team coach Igor Stimac after his dismissal. The men’s team has seen a sharp decline in performance, dropping from a FIFA ranking of 102 in January 2024 to 126 by December.

Additionally, the senior women’s team suffered defeats to Nepal and Bangladesh in the 2024 SAFF Championship. The under-20 men’s team also endured a heavy 1-6 loss to Syria, with nine under-17 players fielded as clubs withheld under-20 players due to the tournament’s non-FIFA window timing. Amidst growing criticism, state associations are expected to convene within weeks to formally present their case, signaling a potential shake-up in Indian football’s governing body.

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