AIFF Elections: Kalyan Chaubey beats Bhaichung Bhutia to become first player president

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.