Crisis at AIFF: Indian Football's Decline Unveiled

New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) In recent years, Indian football has faced a significant decline, and a new book sheds light on the unfolding crisis within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) under the leadership of Kalyan Chaubey.

Currently, the Indian men's football team's FIFA rankings have dropped to 133, the lowest in nearly a decade. Further complicating matters, the Indian Super League's upcoming season is in uncertainty as organizers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the AIFF have yet to renew the Masters Rights Agreement.

Renowned journalist Jaydeep Basu, in his book 'Who Stole My Football', provides an in-depth insider's view of what he terms as the systemic breakdown of Indian football, marked by financial mismanagement under Chaubey's stewardship.

Basu, previously the Media Director for AIFF, offers a detailed recounting of the developments within the organization. He notes that the professional structure of the AIFF's secretariat has deteriorated since 2024, with many appointments bypassing established protocols.

He highlights that the situation reached a nadir once Anilkumar took over as secretary general. Anilkumar, who assumed the role after Shaji Prabhakaran was dismissed in November 2023, was forced out after the Delhi High Court stayed his appointment earlier this year.

The book also details the Indian football team's underwhelming preparation for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. The team, put together hastily, played its first match shortly after arriving at the Games Village and did not progress past the group stage.

Basu's book further touches on Chaubey's strained relationship with Croatian legend and former India head coach Igor Stimac. Stimac was reportedly frustrated when Chaubey decided on India's participation in the 2024 Merdeka Cup during a FIFA international window, allegedly without consulting the national coach.

Stimac felt sidelined, believing he was rarely given the opportunity to discuss his plans and perspectives for the national team.

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