Bhaichung Bhutia Calls for New Elections to Revitalize Indian Football, Claims Shaji Prabhakaran was Unfairly Blamed

– Indian Football
– Bhaichung Bhutia
– AIFF (All India Football Federation)
– Kalyan Chaubey
– Shaji Prabhakaran
– FIFA
– Supreme Court
– Football in India
– Igor Stimac
– Blue Tigers (Indian national football team)
Renowned Indian football figure Bhaichung Bhutia, who faced a defeat in the AIFF presidency election last year, criticized current president Kalyan Chaubey and called for new elections. Bhutia referred to the recent removal of secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran and labeled him as a scapegoat, holding the entire AIFF leadership accountable for their decisions. He expressed concern over the breach of trust allegations and urged for fresh elections to save Indian football.

Bhutia questioned the decisions made by AIFF to withdraw from hosting the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and the mismanagement in the build-up to the Asian Games, citing them as joint efforts by the president and secretary general. His criticism extended to the performance of the national team during away games and the handling of recent tournaments.

The AIFF had suspended for undue third party influence, leading to temporary elections which facilitated the hosting of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. However, Bhutia emphasized that these elections were not permanent and were solely for lifting the ban. He stressed on the need for new elections under the approved constitution to bring Indian football back on track.

Regarding the recent sacking of a secretary general, Bhutia called it a conspiracy and emphasized that the decision holds no constitutional validity. The AIFF’s decision to dismiss Shaji Prabhakaran for a ‘breach of trust’ was met with criticism and skepticism by Bhutia.