Five major talking points from AIFF’s AGM and technical committee meetings

AIFF announced that the upcoming World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait will take place in Kolkata.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) held a series of meetings on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Led by President Kalyan Chaubey, the technical committee meeting was followed by the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Notable attendees included the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, who also holds the position of president of the state football association. Various important matters were discussed during these sessions. From discussions regarding VAR to the development of football-specific stadiums, the meetings shaped several important aspects in Indian football.

Chaubey noted that the atmosphere and support witnessed from the stands in the Santosh Trophy had been truly impressive. He expressed his belief that the popularity of the tournament had significantly increased in recent years.

On that note, let us look at the key talking points from the meetings:

5. ⁠Naushad Moosa recommended coach for U-23 team in upcoming friendlies

AIFF is considering Bengaluru FC’s assistant coach Naushad Moosa to lead the U-23 team in their upcoming friendly matches against Malaysia and two other teams.

Moosa’s relations and abilities to work with junior players are significant. The decision reflects a strategic approach to nurturing international experience and development opportunities.

4. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister promises football-specific stadium

During the AIFF meetings, the president highlighted the issue of multipurpose stadiums across India, where spectators often have to watch football matches from a distance. Chaubey emphasized on the importance of having football-specific stadiums, where spectators can enjoy matches up close, aligning with global standards.

 In response to this, the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister expressed the government’s commitment to constructing a dedicated football stadium in the state, highlighting an intensive effort to enhance football infrastructure nationally.

3. World Cup Qualifier in Kolkata

President Kalyan Chaubey announced his approval of national coach Igor Stimac’s request to host India’s World Cup qualifier against Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6. This decision follows Stimac’s fervent request, stressing the significance of passionate fan support in crucial matches.

Stimac’s request accentuates the importance of creating a vibrant atmosphere favourable to the team’s success, reflecting a strategic move to utilize Kolkata’s passionate football enthusiasts for the upcoming crucial fixture.

2. ⁠VAR Likely to be introduced in ISL

The meeting concluded with a proposal to introduce VAR in the Indian Super League (ISL) starting from the 2025-26 season. Members expressed keen interest in this initiative, particularly in its prospective implementation at no additional cost to the AIFF.

It was agreed that further discussions on this matter would take place in the first week of May in another meeting.

1. All state associations back Chaubey

All state associations expressed their unanimous support for president Kalyan Chaubey in the matter of the graft allegations against him. Both the executive committee and general body expressed deep concern over recent personal attacks targeting senior AIFF officials, particularly Chaubey. Members condemned these attacks as not only directed at the federation’s leader but also as an affront to every member and the AIFF as a whole.

In response, the house passed a resolution denouncing these attacks as motivated and driven by malicious intent.

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