All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey on Friday issued a statement against Bhaichung Bhutia , saying the former India captain ‘has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF’.
Bhutia, who’s also part of the AIFF Executive Committee, has been a vocal critic of Chaubey’s administration.
“As a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has access to an appropriate and empowered platform to express his views, raise concerns, and contribute constructively towards the development and performance of Indian football in the various AIFF Executive Committee meetings,” Chaubey’s riposte began.
“However, it has been observed that since Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia’s defeat in the September 2022 elections, he has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF. Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the Federation, but also throw Indian football in a negative light on international platforms,” it continued.
Chaubey continued, saying that “the AIFF always remains open to constructive suggestions from Mr. Bhutia for the growth and betterment of Indian football”, but said that the former forward has contributed with opposing decisions made by the board.
“Having said that, I would like to inform you that Mr. Bhutia is most welcome to participate in the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for July 2, 2025. The official invitation for his attendance was extended by the AIFF Secretariat on June 11, 2025. He is encouraged to present any constructive proposals during the meeting, which will be duly deliberated upon by the entire executive board in the spirit of transparency, collaboration, and the collective development of Indian football,” the statement concluded.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com