AIFF secretary sacked, Bhutia calls for elections

Shaji Prabharakaran’s removal as secretary-general of All India Football Federation (AIFF) has split the team that took charge in September 2022 and led to former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia calling for elections as soon as the new constitution is accepted.

- Dhiman Sarkar

AIFF removed Prabhakaran with immediate effect on Tuesday. “The All India Football Federation hereby announces the services of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran have been terminated due to breach of trust with immediate effect," an AIFF media release on Wednesday afternoon without elaborating. Deputy secretary-general Satyanarayan M will take over Prabhakaran’s role in the interim, the AIFF release said.

The decision was taken two days before Thursday's executive committee meeting.

“I am not surprised because there has been complete mismanagement in AIFF.” Bhutia said on Wednesday referring to Prabhakaran’s removal. “The way India’s campaign in Asian Games was mishandled, the decision to not bid for the 2027 Asian Cup (since awarded to Saudi Arabia) are but two examples. Away from home, the men’s and women’s team too have been losing. The president, treasurer and the vice-president too should go,” Bhutia said over the phone.

Bhutia is an executive committee member as an eminent player because he is India’s most capped retired footballer.