AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey blasts Baichung Bhutia: 'If there was any corruption ... '

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has hit back strongly at former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, accusing him of misleading football families through his chain of commercial academies while rejecting Bhutia’s calls for his resignation.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, Chaubey defended his leadership and lashed out at Bhutia, who recently demanded the AIFF president step down “for the sake of Indian football”. Bhutia had earlier alleged mismanagement and corruption in the federation.

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“He (Bhutia) is one of India’s best strikers, but he runs a football school chain named after him with about 20 centres nationwide. They (Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools) are taking undue advantage by playing with the emotions of families, emotions of the people, who are thinking the man has achieved the highest level of Indian football, and if I am part of his academy, I too can make my life in it. He has promised the families of Indian football dreamers, and this is the result that we have seen,” Chaubey said. He pointed out that the Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) U-17 team lost 31-0 to Minerva Academy in the I-League U-17. “This is the result of what he is promising families,” he added, also listing other poor performances to stress his point.

Dismissing allegations of corruption within the AIFF, Chaubey stated, “If there was any corruption, it would have been red-flagged. These accusations come from 3-4 people who either lost elections against my team or were previously in the AIFF.” Chaubey also highlighted Bhutia’s past role as an advisor to the AIFF with a salary of Rs 1.5 lakh per month and noted that since he became president in 2022, the federation has held 11 executive committee meetings to maintain transparency.

Turning to on-field matters, the AIFF chief confirmed that the executive committee will meet on June 29 to review the tenure of national team coach Manolo Marquez. The Spaniard, who took charge in August 2024 following Igor Stimac’s exit, has managed just one win — a friendly against Maldives — and India now faces the risk of missing out on the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

“Manolo is a good coach and understands Indian football well, but recent performances have raised questions. We will decide on his future soon,” Chaubey said. He blamed the lack of quality Indian strikers for the team’s struggles, pointing out that India has managed only seven goals in 2024, with three coming against Maldives.



Addressing fan demands to allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to play for the national team, Chaubey confirmed the AIFF is in touch with 33 eligible players. “Some have received their OCI cards. We are helping the others and working within our capacity to get approvals to strengthen our squad,” he said.

The developments come amid mounting pressure on the federation to revive India’s fortunes both on and off the field.




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