Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia calls for removal of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

The former Indian international accused Kalyan Chaubey of serious corruption charges

After India’s recent defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, the former Indian international, Bhaichung Bhutia, has called for the urgent removal of the current AIFF President, Kalyan Chaubey, in his recent press conference in Kolkata..

“I can assure you, if Kalyan Chaubey is removed, we can’t go below this. There is only upwards and onwards, but retaining Kalyan will only invite further disaster. Indian football will only improve after his departure. I can’t assure how much and how long since good things take time in football. He has autocratically taken all decisions himself and destroyed the state of football in India,” said Bhaichung Bhutia.

Bhaichung Bhutia, who is regarded as one of the finest footballers India has ever produced, also alleged that the footballer-turned-politician Kalyan Chaubey functions in a dictatorial manner, often prioritising his political ambitions over the welfare of Indian football.

“I have captained the Indian football team and played quite a number of games for India but I have never seen Kalyan Chaubey play. If he said so in public, he has been lying. Even during his playing days, he was more interested in politics than playing. I warned people that he was not the right guy. Even those who supported him regret their decisions. We need to bring somebody sincere to do the job,” said he.

Bhutia accused Kalyan of making false promises and never executing them on the ground

Bhaichung Bhutia highlighted the unfortunate decline of both the men’s and women’s football teams in the last three years. He feels that the current president has only made big promises, which never became a reality and deceived the footballing community in India.

He took references from Kalyan’s promises of taking India to the top 10 in Asia by 2026 and Vision 2047. Both of which were nothing less than a distant dream.

He said, “The AIFF President promised to bring us among the top 10 in Asia by 2026. In the last three years under Kalyan Chaubey, it is so unfortunate how both the men’s and women’s teams have been declining.”

Bhutia alleged that Kalyan lacks transparency and never consults experts before making big decisions

Bhaichung Bhutia strongly emphasised the urgency of making AIFF more transparent to avoid corruption and scandals going inside the federation. He also urged a fair investigation into India’s sudden withdrawal from hosting the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 after Kalyan’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

He said, “Last three years, under Kalyan Chaubey, a lot of negative things have come to light. Corruption, financial discrepancies have all come out. Now you know AIFF bid for the 2031 Asian Cup, but the original plan was the Asian Cup 2027. He went and cancelled the bid. Now I don’t know what under-the-table deal he did with Saudi, but he withdrew the bid.”

“This should be investigated fairly by a neutral person. Kalyan goes to Saudi Arabia, and instead, he got in an agreement with them to play the Santosh Trophy in Saudi Arabia. The 2027 could have been the best chance for us to host, but now the central asian nations are coming up, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and it will make our chances much more difficult,” he concluded in that regard.

Bhaichung also highlighted constant tussle between Igor Stimac and Kalyan Chaubey

Bhaichung Bhutia feels that Kalyan Chaubey and former India gaffer, Igor Stimac, were always involved in a battle. He stated how the Croatian gaffer also accused Kalyan Chabey of playing his petty politics and prioritising his political ambitions over the welfare of the national team.

Bhaichung Bhutia said, “There had been a huge tussle between Igor and Kalyan. Under Igor, we have won several tournaments. Even Igor said how Kalyan has been more interested in his politics than betterment of football. He has gone so low that he even approached opposition members to vote for him, and in return, he will offer them some positions”

The Sikkimese legend also said that his racial slur on the physical attributes of the North East people had disappointed and agonised the people from the eight states, and Kalyan had let down his chair and office.

“The entire Northeast is upset with Kalyan’s racial statements on the physical attributes of the Northeast players. When majority of your players across different leagues is coming from that region going out there and calling them out for their height, calling them short is completely unacceptable, ” Bhaichung Bhutia added.

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