Bhaichung Bhutia has urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to address multiple allegations of financial misconduct by President Kalyan Chaubey and questionable decisions made under his leadership during the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) in Itanagar on March 10.
According to News9 Live, the former India captain has outlined seven key points he believes should be on the AGM agenda. Bhutia calls for discussions regarding AIFF’s legal head Nilanjan Bhattacharjee’s email, expressing their inability to pay part of his remuneration due to pending salaries, and concerns over unfavourable deals with Indigo Airlines and irregularities in the tender process for last season’s I-League production.
Despite his role as an AIFF executive committee member, Bhutia cannot initiate discussions during the meeting. He hopes state officials will raise questions based on his communication regarding pressing issues.
Bhutia also questioned India’s decision to withdraw its bid for hosting rights of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, despite significant pre-bid expenses incurred by the Union government. He queries whether proper procedures were followed and if permission was sought for hosting the Santosh Trophy knockout matches in Saudi Arabia.
The former striker also demanded transparency regarding the sacking of AIFF secretary Shaji Prabhakaran and the legal expenses associated with handling the matter in the Delhi High Court. He continued to advocate for the removal of Chaubey and treasurer Ajay Kipa, maintaining pressure through official channels ahead of the AGM.
