 "Kalyan Chaubey has responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's criticism. Image: AFP")
Indian football’s internal fight took a dramatic turn as All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey issued a strong response to former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia’s criticism of the current administration. Bhutia, who has been a vocal critic of the AIFF, recently called the apex body a “circus” and accused the leadership of mismanagement.
In a press conference, Bhutia pulled no punches, saying, “The AIFF today is a circus. And when you put jokers in those positions, it’s bound to become a circus. They (AIFF) should have made a clear decision when the controversy erupted. Instead, they let the league continue in confusion. Clubs were treated unfairly. It’s embarrassing for Indian football.”
He particularly slammed the federation’s handling of the I-League title dispute between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers.
AIFF president responds to Bhutia’s criticism
Meanwhile, Kalyan Chaubey has responded to the criticism and said that while he respects Bhutia’s right to express his views, the former skipper has consistently made “baseless allegations” since his election loss in 2022.
“We live in a democratic country where every citizen has the constitutional right to freedom of speech. As a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia has access to an appropriate and empowered platform to express his views, raise concerns, and contribute constructively towards the development and performance of Indian football in the various AIFF Executive Committee meetings,” Chaubey said.
Chaubey further said that the federation is always open to suggestions but claimed that Bhutia’s inputs during Executive Committee meetings have mostly been about opposing board decisions. Despite the criticism, Chaubey invited Bhutia to the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee meeting, stating that an official invitation was already sent to him and he is welcome to present his views.
“However, it has been observed that since Mr. Bhaichung Bhutia’s defeat in the September 2022 elections, he has consistently and deliberately made baseless allegations and presented a distorted image of the AIFF. Such actions not only tarnish the reputation of the Federation, but also throw Indian football in a negative light on international platforms,” he added.
“The AIFF always remains open to constructive suggestions from Mr. Bhutia for the growth and betterment of Indian football. However, it is unfortunate that in most Executive Committee meetings, his contributions have primarily centred around opposing decisions made collectively by the entire board, rather than offering substantial proposals," Chaubey said.
“Having said that, I would like to inform you that Mr. Bhutia is most welcome to participate in the upcoming AIFF Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for July 2, 2025. The official invitation for his attendance was extended by the AIFF Secretariat on June 11, 2025," he added.