New Delhi, Mar 25 (UNI) All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey is facing fresh controversy over allegations of contradicting his own stance on politicians in football administration.
Despite filing multiple affidavits in the Supreme Court (2020-21) opposing the involvement of elected leaders in AIFF governance, Chaubey himself assumed the AIFF presidency in 2022 and worked alongside Vice President NA Harris, a sitting legislator. His continued electoral ambitions, having contested elections in 2019, 2021, and 2024, have raised concerns over conflict of interest and credibility.
In a formal complaint submitted to BJP president JP Nadda, Andhra Pradesh Football Association Founder President Gopala Krishna Kosaraju on Tuesday urged immediate action against Chaubey, accusing him of misusing his position for personal and political gains.
Kosaraju alleged that Chaubey had manipulated AIFF governance structures and engaged in financial irregularities.
The letter highlights that despite his previous objections to political involvement in AIFF, Chaubey contested multiple elections and allegedly misused AIFF resources for personal benefits. A report by retired Supreme Court Justice LN Rao had also recommended the exclusion of politicians from AIFF leadership roles, yet Chaubey continued in his position.
Kosaraju further alleged financial mismanagement within AIFF since Chaubey’s tenure began, claiming that substantial funds were misused for election-related activities. The state football associations' electoral processes were also reportedly manipulated under his leadership.
Emphasising that India’s FIFA ranking remains at a dismal 130, the complainant attributed the stagnation to administrative failures under Chaubey. The letter called for his immediate resignation from AIFF, warning that if he does not step down voluntarily, the BJP leadership should take disciplinary action against him.
There has been no official response from Chaubey or AIFF regarding these allegations. The BJP leadership is yet to make a statement on the matter.
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