AIFF Fires Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran Over Lack of Trust

Shaji Prabhakaran’s termination as the secretary general of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has caused a stir in the world of Indian football. The decision was made due to a “trust deficit” between Prabhakaran and AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey. This move comes just a few months after Prabhakaran took charge of the high-profile job in September 2022.

The AIFF has appointed Deputy Secretary General Satyanarayan M to temporarily fulfill the duties of the secretary general while a permanent replacement is sought. Prabhakaran’s termination has also sparked discussions among the AIFF executive committee members, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with his work during his brief tenure.

What makes this development even more significant is Prabhakaran’s background in football administration. Prior to his role at the AIFF, he served as the president of Football Delhi, showcasing his experience and expertise in the sport.

The decision to terminate Prabhakaran’s contract will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion at the upcoming executive committee meeting. However, it has been clarified that the president has the authority to appoint and remove the secretary general without requiring ratification from the executive committee.

As the Indian football community grapples with this change in leadership, it remains to be seen how the AIFF will navigate this transition and continue its efforts to develop and promote football in the country.
Shaji Prabhakaran, the former president of Football Delhi, has been removed from his position as secretary general of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to a “trust deficit”, according to a top official. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey issued the termination letter on Tuesday, with deputy secretary general Satyanarayan M stepping in as acting secretary general. The decision was made following concerns about Prabhakaran’s work and the lack of trust between him and the AIFF president. Prabhakaran had taken on the role of AIFF secretary general on September 3, 2022, after resigning from his position as Football Delhi president. The AIFF executive committee is expected to discuss the matter during a meeting on Thursday. The decision to remove Prabhakaran does not require the committee’s ratification, as the president has the authority to appoint and dismiss the secretary general.