What were the top five decisions taken by new AIFF Executive Committee

The stakeholders also recommended three names for major awards.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey chaired an Executive Committee meeting in Kolkata on Monday (19th September, 2022). Among the participants were Vice President NA Haris, Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, Treasurer Kipa Ajay, and other members of the AIFF Executive Committee. Special invitees such as GSFA Secretary Mulraj Singh Chudasama, KSFA General Secretary Satya Narayan, IFA President Ajit Banerjee, and FSDL officials were also present.

Here are the top five decisions taken during the meeting.

5. State Development Projects

The 34 State Football Associations all presented their proposals for respective State Development Projects. A dedicated State Development Committee will oversee the operation. State FAs have been asked to nominate one eminent footballer as Brand Ambassador.

4. Indian coaches at all levels

The Executive Committee agreed to the Technical Committee’s recommendations to use Indian coaches across all age groups. A decision to appoint more female coaches for the Women’s National Teams was also given the nod.

3. Postponement request of the SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship

The Executive Committee suggested the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) write to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF), requesting it to postpone the SAFF U-15 Women’s Championship. The tournament was originally set to take place in November 2022. The tournament’s fourth edition will take place in Bangladesh after a year-long postponement. India is the most successful team, winning two titles in 2018 and 2019.

2. Discontinuation of the Indian Arrows project

The Technical Committee has decided to stop the Indian Arrows project in the I-League. Instead, the finances will be used to create a new Elite Youth League in what has been widely lauded as a good move. Securing an AFC club license to participate in the I-League was a constant burden.

1. Igor Stimac’s contract to be extended till AFC Asian Cup 2023

The Executive Committee gave the green light for the extension of Igor Stimac’s contract till the end of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Should the current national team mentor lead India to the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup, his contract will be automatically renewed.