New Delhi– In the wake of India’s 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, former national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia has lashed out at the All India Football Federation (AIFF), criticizing its lack of planning and direction. His sharp remarks came after reports surfaced that the AIFF had offered players a surprise bonus of USD 50,000 had they won the match.
India, having drawn 0-0 with Bangladesh in their opening match, needed a win to stay in contention. However, a stoppage-time penalty against Hong Kong dashed those hopes and pushed the team closer to elimination.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Bhutia called for AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey to resign, stating that Indian football has suffered both on and off the field under his leadership.
“From what we’ve heard, players haven’t even been receiving their daily allowance of Rs 2,500,” Bhutia said. “These footballers don’t have central contracts like cricketers. They don’t earn crores. Most of their earnings come from these daily allowances.”
“Then, all of a sudden, the federation announces a USD 50,000 bonus if they beat Hong Kong. Where did that come from? And if they had won, would they be given the same bonus for the next four matches? There’s no consistency, no system, no vision—just random decisions,” he added.
India’s football fortunes seemed promising just a year ago. In July 2023, the team was ranked 99th in FIFA rankings and had won the Intercontinental Cup, the Tri-Nation Tournament, and the SAFF Championship. But Bhutia says that progress has since unraveled.
“It’s been one disaster after another,” he said. The national team endured a winless streak throughout 2024 and exited the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers early. Their only recent win came when veteran striker Sunil Chhetri returned from retirement to lead India to a 3-0 victory over the Maldives—ending a 489-day winless drought.
Meanwhile, other Asian nations like Uzbekistan have achieved historic milestones, including qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup. India, by contrast, is now at serious risk of failing to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in years.
Bhutia minced no words in his assessment of the AIFF’s leadership. “It’s been a terrible two and a half to three years under Kalyan Chaubey,” he said. “The on-field results have been disappointing, and off the field, the administration has been chaotic and riddled with controversies. If Indian football is to be saved, he needs to step down.”
The loss to Hong Kong has only deepened concerns about the national team’s direction and the federation’s ability to chart a coherent path forward. (Source: IANS)
