Kalyan Chaubey, the former Indian goalkeeper has become the first player in 85 years to head the All India Football Federation.
The former Mohun Bagan & East Bengal goalie was chosen AIFF President after he defeated Bhaichung Bhutia 33-1, with India's former captain failing to attract many supporters in the 34-member voters list made up of state association representatives.
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45-year-old Chaubey is a BJP politician who lost the last parliamentary elections from the Krishnanagar seat in West Bengal. Chaubey was a part of the Indian squad on many occasions during 1999-2006 but never got to make his senior team debut during that period.
The latest AIFF election results came after a difficult period for Indian football. Last month, FIFA had banned AIFF for third-party interference after the daily affairs of the football body were being run by the Supreme Court-appointed CoA. However, FIFA lifted the ban after India's apex court decided to dismantle the CoA.