"Let people see who is thinking about football", Bhaichung Bhutia calls for transparency from AIFF

The 48-year-old former Indian footballer voiced his thoughts amid the AIFF’s creation of a new task force.

Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia has urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to publicly broadcast its Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Executive Committee meetings live on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The former Blue Tigers captain issued an appeal towards the AIFF Executive Committee to be more transparent and open towards the Indian football fans and community.

While exclusively speaking to Khel Now, Bhaichung Bhutia highlighted that in an era where democratic institutions like the Supreme Court, High Courts, and even Parliament have embraced public broadcasting, there is no justification for secrecy in the apex footballing body’s governance.

The suggestion from the 48-year-old comes at a time when AIFF has voiced concerns on the record internally about news leaks to the media from such meetings.

Bhaichung Bhutia wants AIFF to be transparent

The 48-year-old’s comments reflect growing frustration over internal leaks and a perceived culture of opacity within the AIFF. While explaining his perspective of not treating leaks as a crisis, he stated, “They were all crying about leaks—our meetings, this, that. I told them, why don’t you go live on Facebook or Instagram? What’s there to hide?”

Bhutia also went on to draw comparisons with democratic institutions of national importance and argued that if court proceedings and legislative debates can be made public, so can the internal discussions of a sports federation. He felt that the AIFF was meant to serve the public and grow the game in the subcontinent.

He stated, “We are here for the development of Indian football. Let the people know what we are trying to take forward.”

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Bhutia calls for AIFF to work before the citizens

Bhaichung Bhutia acknowledged that certain confidential matters—such as sub-committee negotiations—should remain private, but stressed that larger discussions around the future of Indian football must be transparent. While underlining the need to make decision-makers accountable to fans, players, and stakeholders, Bhutia stated, “Let the country see who is thinking about football and who is not.”

The 48-year-old also didn’t mince words about the source of leaks, pointing the fingers at the incumbent office bearers. Bhaichung Bhutia stated, “I said, what is there to leak? I said, you will see me, I will always give my statement, there is nothing to leak. But why don’t you make it, you know, and your office bearer must be leaking it somewhere.”

Among the initiatives he believes should be made public is the AIFF’s much-discussed “Vision 2047” grassroots development plan. He stated, “You’re trying to do Vision 2047, this is your plan—why do you have to hide it? Let the people know your vision. Let them know what you want to do.”

Bhaichung Bhutia’s statements arrive at a critical time when Indian football is undergoing structural changes and facing scrutiny over governance issues. The Indian icon’s voice, as one of the most respected figures in Indian football history, adds weight to the growing frustration with the AIFF.

Bhaichung Bhutia’s suggestion to live stream AIFF’s major meetings could mark a transformative step in a digital age where fans expect accountability. While the 48-year-old’s proposition might be a bold proclamation, the AIFF needs to provide more transparency for a sport muddled with controversy.

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