The All India Football Federation (AIFF) formally dismissed its General Secretary, Shaji Prabhakaran, on Tuesday, following his earlier removal by an emergency committee for a “breach of trust.” However, the decision faced scrutiny after the Delhi High Court ruled on January 19 that only the executive committee had the authority to terminate Prabhakaran’s contract. The executive committee meeting confirmed the dismissal, with Prabhakaran seeking clarification on the alleged breach during the online session.
Former India captain and executive committee member Bhaichung Bhutia demanded the removal of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Treasurer Ajay Kipa over allegations of financial corruption. Bhutia referred to a mail disclosing financial misuse allegations, including credit card transactions by Kipa and Chaubey’s purported use of AIFF funds to buy shoes. AIFF Vice President NA Harris engaged in a verbal dispute with Bhutia during the meeting, while other members remained silent on the issue.
Bhutia asserted that sweeping changes are necessary due to the mismanagement of critical AIFF matters, including preparation for the Asian Games and the AFC Asian Cup. He claimed that decisions were made without executive committee approval, including withdrawing India’s bid for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and relocating the Santosh Trophy to Saudi Arabia.
Bhutia also called for future executive committee meetings to be live-streamed on social media channels and YouTube for transparency and accountability. The meeting did not address the performance of coach Igor Stimac in India’s scoreless AFC Asian Cup campaign.
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