AIFF Elections LIVE: FIFA bans AIFF: The curtains are all but down on dramatic affairs of All India Football Federation (AIFF). The AIFF elections will be held on September 2 but it will only be a formality. Former India goalkeeper and a BJP leader Kalyan Chaubey is all set to be elected unopposed. Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) President and Congress MLA NA Haris is set to become the new Vice-President. Chaubey will replace ousted President Praful Patel. Follow Indian Football Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
- President: Kalyan Chaubey (GSFA)
- Vice President: NA Haris (KSFA)
- General Secretary: Shaji Prabhakaran (Football Delhi)
AIFF Elections LIVE: Former footballer Kalyan Chaubey set to be elected NEW AIFF President, Karnataka’s NA Haris new VP, Follow LIVE Updates
The state associations’ representatives met in a hotel in Delhi on Wednesday and reached a consensus. On September 2, all state associations will nominate the two candidates and for other positions. Football Delhi chief Shaji Prabhakaran is also the frontrunner to become the new General Secretary. Chaubey will be nominated by Gujarat State Football Association.
“We had a meeting a on Wednesday and we all agreed that it would be the best course. Chaubey Ji is well versed with the administrative aspects of running football. NA Haris has done a great job at KSFA. Both will be elected unopposed on September 2,” a source close to the development told InsideSport.
AIFF Elections LIVE: Former footballer Kalyan Chaubey set to be elected NEW AIFF President, Karnataka’s NA Haris new VP, Follow LIVE Updates
Who is Kalyan Chaubey? – A product of Tata Football Academy, goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey joined Mohun Bagan in 1996. But a year later, he switched colours and joined arch-rivals East Bengal. But he enjoyed his best two seasons with East Bengal before joining before leaving the side. He also trialled for German club VfR Heilbronn.
As for his international career, Chaubey won two SAFF Championships title in 1999 and 2005. After his retirement, he was youth development in charge at Mohun Bagan between 2011 and 2013. In 2015, he began his political career, joining BJP.
However, it will be an odd agreement as BJP and Congress will come together to form an ally. But there is no disharmony between the two opposing political parties.
“There is no politics in football. It is for the best course. As a BJP MLA, Kalyan ji will have support from the central government. We need that very much at the current scenario. We need funds to run the tournaments which currently is ceased. Mr Haris can use his knowledge to expand the game at grassroots in the south,” the source explained.
However, there was debate regarding Sarbananda Sonowal. The former Union Sports Minister and current cabinet minister wanted to contest AIFF President’s election. But he is not going to. The SC appointed returning officer has also rejected a plethora of nominations including of former AIFF Player of the Year Eugenesen Lyngdoh.
As for the FIFA ban, it is now just a matter of days. The AIFF has already sent the final draft with the changes FIFA demanded. With CoA gone, the FIFA is likely to lift the suspension by this week.
AIFF Elections LIVE: Former footballer Kalyan Chaubey set to be elected NEW AIFF President, Karnataka’s NA Haris new VP, Follow LIVE Updates
As per IANS, the 14-member executive committee will be:
Avijit Paul (Orissa), Syed Imtiaz Husainv (Bihar), Menla Ethenpa (Sikkim), Mohan Lal (Chattisgarh), Lalnghinglova Hmar (Mizoram), K Neibou Sekhose (Nagaland), Deepak Sharma (Himachal Pradesh), Arif Ali (Uttarakhand), Vijay Bali (Punjab), Anil Kumar P (Kerala), GP Palguna (Telangana), Dilip Singh Shekhawat (Rajasthan), Maloji Raje Chhatrapati (The Western India Football Association, Maharashtra), Valanka Natasha Alemao (Goa).
AIFF Elections LIVE: Former footballer Kalyan Chaubey set to be elected NEW AIFF President, Karnataka’s NA Haris new VP, Follow LIVE Updates
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