AIFF Press Conference REPLAY: President Kalyan Chaubey addresses media amid growing crisis in Indian Football

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has scheduled a crucial press conference on Friday, June 13, 2025, with president Kalyan Chaubey set to address the growing discontent surrounding Indian football. With the national team sinking to 133rd in the latest FIFA World Rankings and coming off back-to-back defeats, the timing of this media interaction is very crucial.

Indian Football Team‘s recent 1-0 loss to a lower-ranked Hong Kong side in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers has drawn sharp criticism from all quarters. India conceded a stoppage-time penalty, converted by Stefan Pereira, in a match that has left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Coming on the heels of a dismal defeat to Thailand, this result has sparked intense debate about the national team’s direction and the state of Indian football as a whole.

What is the AIFF Press conference about?

With head coach Manolo Marquez‘s stint being over with the Blue Tigers, the team is in the middle of a chaotic situation as fans demand a complete overhaul, including players. With mounting pressure on both the coaching staff and federation, there is growing speculation that Friday’s press meet may include an announcement regarding the future.

The June international window was especially damaging, and unless changes are made swiftly, the road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup could get even more difficult for the Blue Tigers. India will next face Singapore on October 9 in a must-win qualifier. But before that, all eyes will be on Friday’s press meet.

This press conference could also be AIFF’s attempt to offer accountability and justification amid growing public backlash. With fans demanding answers and former players calling out the leadership, the federation may be looking to defend its decisions, explain recent failures.

Former players, ISL clubs, and fans demand accountability from AIFF

Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia has added fuel to the fire with a direct attack on the AIFF. He slammed Kalyan Chaubey’s leadership, accusing the federation of poor governance and demanding a complete structural overhaul. “Kalyan Chaubey has destroyed Indian football… he must resign,” Bhutia said, also pointing to unresolved issues like the ongoing I-League title dispute between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers.

Meanwhile, the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have pushed back against criticism of their role in developing players. Some club officials have instead blamed the AIFF for its failure to implement reforms, suggesting that deeper issues lie within the federation’s administration.

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