PT Usha, the esteemed president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has raised grave concerns regarding the conduct of All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey. Usha alleges that Chaubey has “impersonated as the acting CEO of the IOA” and issued an “unauthorised agenda” for the Special General Meeting (SGM).
Bhaichung Bhutia, a legendary former India forward, has expressed his dismay over the situation, stating that the credibility of the AIFF has plummeted under Chaubey’s leadership. Bhutia believes that Chaubey’s actions have damaged the reputation of the IOA as well.
“I feel sorry for PT Usha ma’am and the IOA,” Bhutia said. “We have all seen what Kalyan Chaubey has done to the football federation. The credibility of the federation has taken a huge hit during his tenure.”
Bhutia highlighted a series of questionable decisions made by Chaubey, including withdrawing India’s bid to host the Asia Cup and awarding it to Saudi Arabia, as well as moving the Santosh Trophy to Saudi Arabia. He also criticized Chaubey’s comments about North Eastern players being too short.
“These are all very dumb statements that he’s making,” Bhutia said. “He’s already ruined the Football Federation, and now he’s trying to damage the Indian Olympic Association as well.”
Usha’s allegations stem from a circular issued by Chaubey on official IOA letterhead, listing 26 agenda items for the SGM to be held on October 25. One of the items was a vote of no confidence against Usha, and Chaubey signed the circular as IOA’s joint secretary and acting CEO. However, Usha maintains that Chaubey does not hold the acting CEO’s post.
Bhutia believes that Chaubey should step down from his position and call for elections in light of the corruption allegations that have surfaced.
“You have a lawyer (Nilanjan Bhattacharjee) of the federation accusing him of corruption; you have the former general secretary (Shaji Prabhakaran), who was appointed by you and then removed within a couple of months, putting serious accusations on the president,” Bhutia said. “When you have those kinds of allegations, it’s time to step down, accept the new constitutions, and call the elections.”
The AIFF’s former principal legal advisor, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, has previously made serious “corruption allegations” against Chaubey. In a letter addressed to PM Narendra Modi, Bhattacharjee raised concerns about Chaubey’s non-transparent tender process, preferential allotment of tenders, and attempts to “syphon off money from the federation’s exchequer.” Bhattacharjee’s contract was later terminated by Chaubey.
