Bhaichung Bhutia has called out AIFF for inadequate management after disappointing Hong Kong loss.
Indian Football Team‘s shocking 0-1 defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers has triggered a wave of criticism, with former captain Bhaichung Bhutia launching a scathing attack on the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The loss leaves India’s qualification hopes in serious doubt and reflects a broader crisis in the country’s footballing ecosystem.
Bhaichung Bhutia, who lost to current AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey in the 2022 elections, accused the administration of mismanagement and called for a complete structural overhaul. India, ranked 127 before the game, were outclassed by Hong Kong, who were placed 153 in the FIFA rankings. The defeat is expected to push India further down to 133.
“It’s very painful to see… we are definitely struggling now to even qualify for the Asia Cup, which we’ve been qualifying for regularly,” Bhutia told PTI.
“Countries like Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Jordan have qualified for the World Cup, and we are still struggling for the Asia Cup. Very unfortunate,” Bhutia added.
Bhaichung Bhutia holds AIFF responsible for the crisis
Visibly anguished, Bhaichung Bhutia directly blamed AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey for the state of affairs. He questioned the federation’s leadership and decision-making process, particularly regarding coaching appointments and administrative transparency.
“Kalyan Chaubey has destroyed Indian football. Chaubey has to resign and leave. He has completely destroyed it. Three General Secretaries in two-and-a-half years — the entire structure, the system will have to be changed,” he said.
Bhaichung Bhutia also pointed to unresolved issues like the I-League title controversy between Inter Kashi and Churchill Brothers, which continues to drag on without a clear resolution.
“Controversy after controversy, corruption charge… even after months now we don’t know who the I-League winner is,” he said.
He also criticised the federation for bypassing the AIFF Technical Committee while appointing head coach Manolo Marquez, who continues to juggle roles with FC Goa and the national team.
“The Technical Committee was bypassed to appoint Manolo. You cannot have the same person coaching a club and the national team — it’s a conflict of interest.”
Return of Sunil Chhetri seen as desperate move by Bhaichung Bhutia
Bhutia questioned the coach and AIFF’s judgment in bringing Sunil Chhetri out of retirement for the Hong Kong match, suggesting it was a sign of desperation rather than strategic planning.
“It was nice of him to come out of retirement, but it was a completely bad decision. Manolo should not have requested, and now we hear the Federation pushed for it. But what’s changed?” he asked.
He also took issue with the USD 50,000 match bonus handed out to players, calling it misguided.
“You’re paying Rs 42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It just shows how clueless the management is.”
Goutam Sarkar questions India’s lack of progress
Former India midfielder Goutam Sarkar expressed disappointment over the national team’s stagnation, noting that Indian football has shown little to no growth in recent years. Sarkar also held the federation accountable for the current crisis.
“We have not progressed even an inch. If Sunil Chhetri continues to be your indispensable player, can it be more unfortunate?” he told PTI. “Of course, the Federation is completely responsible. They have been a complete failure.”
Subrata Bhattacharya advocates for Indian coaches
Legendary coach and former defender Subrata Bhattacharya criticised the AIFF’s over-reliance on foreign coaches and urged a return to trusting Indian football minds. He also pointed out that foreign presence in ISL hasn’t significantly improved local talent development.
“It’s no guarantee that a foreign coach will give you success. Domestic coaches like PK Banerjee and Amal Dutta brought glory,” he told PTI. “Foreigners in ISL won’t help Indian players develop. Only Indian coaches know our boys and can develop them.”
With growing voices from former legends urging change, and the national team’s fortunes dipping, Indian football finds itself at a critical crossroads. Whether the AIFF will respond with genuine reforms or continue business as usual remains the biggest question ahead.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
