Football

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has demanded an investigation into the controversial goal awarded to Qatar in their crucial World Cup qualifying match in Doha. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed outrage over the incident, calling for "addressing the injustice."The incident occurred in the 73rd minute of the match, when Abdullah Alahrak's free-kick saw Yousef Ayem attempt a header. India's goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, saved the shot, but the ball rolled over the line. However, instead of awarding a corner kick, South Korean referee Kim Woo-Sung allowed Hashmi Hussein to kick the ball back into play, resulting in Aymen slotting it into the net.Chaubey stated that the goal deprived India of a historic entry into the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the 2026 edition. He emphasized that the ball had clearly gone out of play and that the referee's decision was a "grave supervision error."The AIFF has written to FIFA Head of Qualifiers, AFC Head of Referees, and the match commissioner, requesting a thorough investigation. Chaubey urged them to explore possibilities of "sporting compensation" to rectify the injustice.The match commissioner, Iran's Hamed Momeni, is responsible for supervising the organization of the match and ensuring adherence to FIFA regulations. His role includes ensuring that the ball is in play when a goal is scored.The controversial goal has sparked widespread outrage among Indian football fans and experts. Many believe that the referee's decision was influenced by external factors and that India was unfairly denied a chance to advance in the World Cup qualifiers.The AIFF's demand for an investigation is a significant step towards addressing the concerns raised by the Indian football community. The outcome of the investigation will determine whether India has a legitimate case for compensation or if the result of the match will stand.

The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Club Licensing Committee has denied Premier 1 licenses to four Indian Super League (ISL) clubs: Jamshedpur FC, Odisha FC, Kerala Blasters, and Hyderabad FC. This decision bars them from participating in AFC Club competitions and national competitions for the 2024-25 season.The clubs failed to meet multiple 'A' criteria, which are essential for obtaining the license. These criteria cover aspects such as sporting, infrastructure, personnel and administrative, legal, and financial requirements. The committee, chaired by Girija Shanker Mungali, met via video conferencing on May 15 to review the applications.Punjab FC was the only club to fulfill the AIFF's criteria and was granted a Premier 1 club license for the 2024-25 season. Defending ISL champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, ISL Cup winners Mumbai City FC, East Bengal, FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, NorthEast United FC, and Mohammedan Sporting received licenses with sanctions.The Indian Club Licensing system is crucial for maintaining the quality and professionalism of football clubs in India. It ensures that clubs meet certain standards before participating in AFC and national competitions. The licenses are categorized into 'ICLS Premier 1' for ISL clubs and 'ICLS Premier 2' for I-League clubs.The clubs that have been denied licenses have the option to seek an exemption to participate in national competitions by May 22. However, they will need to demonstrate that they have taken steps to address the deficiencies identified by the committee.The AIFF's decision highlights the importance of clubs adhering to the licensing criteria. It aims to create a competitive and sustainable football ecosystem in India, where clubs operate with professionalism and meet the highest standards.

Sunil Chhetri's journey to becoming India's leading scorer began with a humble contract worth Rs 6500 at a Delhi-based club. His childhood coach, Mohammad Sajid, recalls the moment he handed Chhetri a token amount of Rs 1000, which filled the young player with immense joy.Sajid, who is now the CEO of City Football Club, spotted Chhetri at Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School in Vikaspuri. He recognized Chhetri's potential and offered him his first club contract. In his debut season, Chhetri made an immediate impact by winning the emerging player of the year award.Sajid played a pivotal role in Chhetri's early career. He facilitated a meeting between Chhetri and Nageshwar Rao, a player from City Football Club, which led to Chhetri's move to Mohun Bagan in 1999. Sajid advised Chhetri to remain focused and pursue a professional career outside Delhi, believing that it would be beneficial for his growth.Chhetri's hard work and dedication paid off as he went on to become India's leading scorer with 94 goals in 150 matches. Sajid expressed his pride in Chhetri's achievements, stating that he has played at the highest level for an extended period, which is a testament to his talent and determination.Sajid believes that India currently lacks a player who can replace Chhetri's caliber. He hopes that Chhetri will continue to inspire young players and contribute to Indian football in the future, possibly by joining the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and working towards the development of the sport in the country.

AIFF Data Leak: Internal Complaints Committee Report and Police ComplaintThe All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken swift action in response to recent reports of a confidential data leak involving its employees. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the AIFF convened a meeting on Friday to investigate the matter.After thorough deliberations, the ICC concluded that the allegations of confidentiality and IT policy breaches do not fall within its purview. However, the committee emphasized the importance of the AIFF taking prompt action against any such breaches to protect the rights of its staff.Meanwhile, the AIFF has filed an official complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Delhi Police on May 7th. The federation has pledged its full cooperation with the authorities and expressed confidence that the investigation will yield positive results.Acting Secretary General M Satyanarayan stated, "We are committed to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of our staff members. We are taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue. In addition to the ICC meeting, we have filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit, who have assured us of their support."The AIFF has reiterated its commitment to upholding the privacy and security of its employees. The federation is determined to take all appropriate measures to prevent and address any breaches of confidentiality or IT policies.

The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) technical committee has expressed dissatisfaction with head coach Igor Stimac following India's disappointing performance in the recent friendlies against Afghanistan. The committee met on Thursday to discuss the team's 2-1 home defeat and 0-0 away draw against the lower-ranked opponents."Pretty much no one is happy with him after the loss in Guwahati," said a technical committee member, requesting anonymity. "We have conveyed that."The committee's concerns stem from India's lackluster displays and failure to secure a win against Afghanistan, who are ranked 41 places below them in the FIFA rankings. This marks the first time India has lost to Afghanistan at home.The technical committee had previously met with Stimac virtually in February, where they emphasized the importance of positive results in the upcoming FIFA windows in March and June. However, the recent setbacks have raised doubts about Stimac's ability to deliver.Removing Stimac immediately would trigger a hefty compensation package, as his contract runs until 2026 and is worth $30,000 per month. AIFF is reportedly exploring options to negotiate an amicable solution with the Croatian coach.Despite the setbacks, India remains in contention for a place in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. They are currently second in Group A with four points from four games, ahead of Afghanistan on goal difference. A win against Kuwait on June 6 could secure their qualification.Stimac has previously stated that he will resign if India fails to qualify for the third round. He is expected to leave for home from New Delhi on Friday.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is embroiled in yet another controversy, this time involving allegations of harassment against a male employee by a female colleague. The woman has lodged a "verbal" complaint but has not yet pressed formal charges.The AIFF's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) convened on Tuesday to discuss the matter. The woman requested time before proceeding further with her complaint. "She made a verbal complaint and despite not doing it in writing and not pressing for charges, the ICC escalated the matter and the committee met to discuss the issue. She has sought time to decide on whether to press charges or not," an AIFF source told PTI.The ICC is expected to submit a report on the matter within a few days. The AIFF has been plagued by controversies lately, including accusations of corruption against its President Kalyan Chaubey. The national men's team's recent shocking loss to an under-strength Afghanistan in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match has further compounded the federation's woes.The AIFF constituted the ICC in January under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013. The committee is responsible for investigating and addressing complaints of sexual harassment within the organization.The allegations of harassment come at a time when the AIFF is facing scrutiny from various quarters. The Supreme Court has appointed a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to oversee the federation's operations. The CoA is tasked with implementing reforms and ensuring transparency in the AIFF's functioning.The AIFF has not yet issued an official statement on the harassment allegations. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of women employees within the organization. It remains to be seen how the AIFF will handle the matter and whether it will take appropriate action to address the allegations.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations leveled against All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey by the organization's former legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. The AFC has requested Bhattacharjee to submit a detailed written report outlining his allegations and supporting evidence by March 18, 2024.Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Chaubey of involvement in non-transparent tender processes and attempts to misappropriate federation funds for personal expenses. Chaubey has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them "baseless" and accusing Bhattacharjee of attempting to damage his reputation.The AFC's intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on Indian football's reputation. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has also weighed in, calling for Chaubey's resignation and new elections to clean up the AIFF administration.Bhattacharjee has remained steadfast in his position, claiming that he refused to sign a "lopsided" agreement with Indigo Airlines during his tenure, which would have provided a minimum guarantee of Rs 7 crore for content creation rights without any incentive for Indian football.Chaubey has provided a point-by-point rebuttal to Bhattacharjee's allegations, but Bhattacharjee has vowed to submit all his evidence to the AFC. He has also invited others concerned about Indian football to share any information they may have.The AFC's investigation could have significant consequences for Indian football. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to sanctions against the AIFF and damage the reputation of the sport in the country. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders in Indian football.

The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) decision to charter a plane for the men's national team three days before its annual general meeting has been hailed as a game-changer. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey's assurance to head coach Igor Stimac of a "no-compromise stand" has lifted spirits within the team.The move comes amidst allegations of financial foul play and cronyism made by a former legal head of AIFF. However, Chaubey has denied these allegations, writing to his executive committee to address the concerns.The decision to charter a plane for the team's World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan on March 21 is a significant step towards improving the team's performance. By flying directly to Abha in Saudi Arabia, the team will avoid the fatigue and potential injuries associated with multiple layovers.This move demonstrates the AIFF's commitment to providing the best possible support to the national team. It is a clear indication that the federation is determined to create an environment where the team can thrive and achieve success.The team's performance in recent months has been mixed. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but have also struggled to maintain consistency. The decision to charter a plane is a sign that the AIFF is taking steps to address these issues and help the team reach its full potential.The team's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan is a crucial match. A win would boost their chances of qualifying for the next round of the competition. The AIFF's decision to charter a plane is a clear indication that they are determined to give the team the best possible chance of success.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has vehemently denied allegations of financial impropriety and misconduct leveled against him in recent media reports. In a letter to Member Associations and Executive Committee members, Chaubey asserted that he has served a defamation notice on Advocate Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, who initiated the "media trial."Chaubey clarified the circumstances surrounding the proposed partnership with IndiGo. He explained that the idea emerged during his tenure as IOA Joint Secretary and was presented to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. While a sponsorship deal was not feasible, the airline expressed interest in a marketing and promotion partnership. The agreement, which has not been finalized, involves barter arrangements to promote Indian football through IndiGo's platforms. Chaubey emphasized that there are no potential financial implications or losses for AIFF.Regarding production tenders, Chaubey stated that I-League production companies were selected after a joint evaluation by AIFF and FSDL. He requested a report from FSDL on the technical evaluation process and the selection of KPS Studio. Chaubey also noted that Bhattacharjee was involved in the tender selection process and did not raise any concerns at the time.Chaubey addressed allegations of dummy cameras being used by production teams. He has requested the Acting Secretary-General to gather match details and form a committee to review the recordings. He questioned why Bhattacharjee did not report this issue earlier, raising concerns about his credibility and motives.Chaubey denied allegations of financial wrongdoings, including sharing legal retainership fees, personal use of AIFF credit cards, interference with judicial bodies, and personal trips at AIFF's expense. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the allegations are baseless and intended to malign his reputation.