Page 3 - All India Football Federation

After sacking Stimac, AIFF advertises for new Indian football team coach

Stimac reacted to the sudden announcement by saying that he would sue AIFF if he did not receive his full compensation within 10 days of sacking

Mbappe due for tests on his broken nose as France gets 'positive' news

Kylian Mbapp was due to have tests on his broken nose on Wednesday as France tried to assess what part he could play in the European Championship. The World Cup winner sustained the injury during his team's 1-0 win against Austria on Monday and will have to wear a face mask if he plays on at the tournament. There will be more tests tomorrow to see how things are developing. Obviously it was a big collision," France coach Didier Deschamps said Tuesday. "The medical staff have done what they needed to reduce it as much as possible. This morning he was a bit better, so we will see that and we will follow it closely each day. France plays the Netherlands in its second game of Euro 2024 on Friday. It was not known if Mbapp would be able to play after his face collided with the shoulder Austria's Kevin Danso as he attempted a header late in the Group D match at Dusseldorf Arena. The French Football Federation said it had received positive news about Mbapp's chances of continuing at the .

FC Barcelona brings down curtains on its football academies in India

World-renowned football club FC Barcelona has decided to shut down all its academies in India, 14 years after starting operations with an aim to train the country's kids in their famed 'La Masia (youth academy)' style. FC Barcelona did not provide any official reason for the closure. All its academies in the Indian cities of Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune will cease to exist from July 1. "FC Barcelona have informed the families involved in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune will cease to operate as Barca Academies from 1 July 2024," the club said in a statement which it uploaded on its website. "Barcelona's presence in India began back in 2010 and since then thousands of youngsters have learned to play football in the Barca style and with the Club's values. "Furthermore, India was the venue for two Barca Academy APAC tournament in 2019 and 2020 and the academies have been an ever present in the 11 editions of the Barca Academy World Cup held in Barcelona during Easter Week,"

SC to consider listing pleas relating to All India Football Federation

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider listing the pleas relating to the All India Football Federation and finalisation of its constitution which was framed by former apex court judge Justice L Nageswara Rao. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae, that the pleas needed to be heard. "It was said on March 19 that the pleas will be listed on April 5, that is today," Sankaranarayanan said. The bench assured that the case will be fixed for hearing soon. The top court seized two separate clutches of petitions relating to the Indian Olympic Association and the AIFF. It had said the report, submitted by Justice Rao, shall be circulated by Gopal Sankarnarayanan to all the parties desirous of securing the soft copies. It had directed that the objections to the AIFF's draft constitution be filed. On May 2, 2023,

AIFF forms panel to probe alleged physical assault of two women footballers

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Saturday asked its executive committee member Deepak Sharma to refrain from game-related activities till the conclusion of a probe by a panel into his alleged physical assault of two women footballers in Goa. Two footballers of Himachal Pradesh-based Khad FC, taking part in the Indian Women's Football (IWL) League second division, had alleged that Sharma, the owner of the club, had barged into their room and physically assaulted them on the night of March 28. They filed a complaint with the competition committee of the AIFF and the Goa Football Association (GFA), which was hosting the tournament, also lodged a complaint at the Mapusa police station on the basis of the complaint of the two women footballers. In the complaint, according to sources, the two players said Sharma was in an inebriated state for most of the time and they were "scared of their lives". Sports Minister Anurag Thakur earlier in the day asked the AIFF to take "quick"

AIFF member Deepak Sharma held in Goa for assaulting two women footballers

All India Football Federation executive committee member Deepak Sharma was arrested by Goa police on Saturday for allegedly physically assaulting two women players, an official said. Two footballers of Himachal Pradesh-based Khad FC, taking part in the Indian Women's Football (IWL) League second division here, had alleged Sharma, the owner of the club, had barged into their room and physically assaulted them on the night of March 28. "AIFF executive committee member Deepak Sharma was called for questioning during the day after a formal complaint was received. He was arrested by Mapusa police under various sections, including causing hurt, using force against women, among others," Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandesh Chodankar told PTI. "He will remain in custody for the night and will be produced in court on Sunday for remand," said Mapusa police station inspector Shitakant Naik. Meanwhile, GFA President Caetano Fernandes told PTI the association helped the victims file the ...

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: India, Afghanistan play out goalless draw

India and Afghanistan settled for a 0-0 draw after failing to turn their opportunities into goals in a Group A fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers here on Thursday. It was end-to-end stuff in the first half with India coming very close to scoring through Manvir Singh on two occasions and the hosts too having their share of chances. However, most of them were half chances and goalkeepers of both teams were not tested enough. With India and Afghanistan resorting to open football, the first half (45+3) saw a wave of attacking moves but the strikers were not able to come alive in the final third, leaving both gaffers Igor Stimac and Ashley Westwood a bit frustrated as they shouted instructions from the touchline. India were on the offensive from the word go and caused some anxious moments in the Afghanistan defence and had Manvir not spurned a great chance on the 17th minute, the visitors would have taken an early lead in their away leg of the second round of 2026 World Cup a

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey serves legal notice to former legal head

All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey has served a legal notice to the organisation's former principal legal advisor Nilanjan Bhattacharjee for making serious "corruption allegations" against him. On Saturday, Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claimed Chaubey worked out "corruption avenues" through non transparent tender process and preferential allotment of tender. He had also alleged that Chaubey made attempts to "siphon off money from the federation's exchequer" and used AIFF fund for personal expenses. Chaubey, who had earlier termed the allegations "baseless", said Bhattacharjee's actions were aimed at damaging his reputation. "The motive and agenda in tarnishing my image and reputation are visible and obvious. I have sent him a legal notice with respect to his defamation and attempts at character assassination, and will be pursuing this matter to its logical conclusion," Chaubey said in the letter addressed to all the state un

AIFF legal head removed post allegations of corruption on President Chaubey

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday terminated the services of its principal legal advisor Nilanjan Bhattacharjee after he made serious "corruption allegations" against president Kalyan Chaubey, who had termed them "baseless". In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Bhattacharjee said Chaubey worked out "corruption avenues" through non-transparent tender process and preferential allotment of tender. Chaubey had said that he would "reply legally". "... inform you of the AIFF's decision to terminate your engagement as principal legal advisor with immediate effect," AIFF acting secretary general M Satyanarayan wrote in the termination letter on Sunday. The AIFF will pay Bhattacharjee for another month at the "contractually agreed rate" as a notice period of one month is required for the termination. Bhattacharjee, on his part, said the termination of his service was on expected lines. "I could foresee the termination letter," he told PTI. "I

Football: AIFF legal head accuses President Kalyan Chaubey of corruption

All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Principal legal advisor Nilanjan Bhattacharjee on Saturday made serious "corruption allegations" against president Kalyan Chaubey, who termed them baseless and said he would take legal action. In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhattacharjee said Chaubey worked out "corruption avenues" through non transparent tender process and preferential allotment of tender. Bhattacharjee also alleged that Chaubey made attempts to "siphon off money from the federation's exchequer" and used AIFF fund for personal expenses. "...through coercion and at his own subservient interest, allotted numerous tenders such as broadcasting of I-League (last season), IWL, Santosh Trophy in favour of one (company; name withheld) which happens to be close to the incumbent president," Bhattacharjee wrote in the letter, which is in possession of PTI. "Further tenders running into crores were allotted to the same service provider for broadcasting of futsal and

AIFF to investigate fixing allegations in a suspicious Delhi match

After betting and match-fixing allegations emerged in the Delhi Premier League, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday launched an investigation across various cities of the country to get to the root of this menace with the help of government agencies. Suspicions of betting and match-fixing came to light in a Delhi league match on Monday when Ahbab FC, who were winning 4-0, conceded two dubious-looking own goals late in the match against Rangers FC. Ahbab FC won the match 4-2. The video footage of the two own goals went viral, leading to the AIFF summoning Football Delhi chief Anuj Gupta on Tuesday to seek details of the suspicious match and serving him notice. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said he would approach Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to undertake investigation and get to the root of the betting syndicate. "Our investigation will not be limited to Delhi. We have reasons to believe through evidences, such practice in other cities too, and will form a wider netwo

I League: Manipur clubs Neroca, Trau want to play Aizawl at neutral venue

Imphal-based NEROCA FC and TRAU FC's request to shift their I-League away matches against Aizawl FC to a neutral venue has been referred to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey. The decision was taken on Tuesday during a virtual meeting of the AIFF League Committee, chaired by Lalnghinglova Hmar. "The issue of Imphal-based clubs, NEROCA FC and TRAU FC's request to shift their respective away matches against Aizawl FC to a neutral venue, was referred to the AIFF President and Acting Secretary General (M Satyanarayan)," the AIFF said in a release. "...the Committee Chairperson requested the two office bearers (Chaubey and Satyanarayan) to initiate dialogues between the three clubs to ensure that the matches are held in a safe and secure environment." The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur has ramifications in Mizoram. Hundreds of people of a particular ethnic group displaced from Manipur have taken shelter in Mizoram. The League Committee also deliberate

AIFF evaluates possibility of implementing Additional Video Review System

The AIFF has written to the International Football Association Board, the body that determines the laws of the game, to explore the possibility of India participating in the trial of the Additional Video Review System' (AVRS). The VAR technology, which was first used in FIFA events in 2016-17, supports the decision-making process of the referee in four game-changing situations: goals and offences leading up to a goal, penalty decisions and offences leading up to a penalty, direct red card incidents, and mistaken identity. "Our prime objective here is to reduce the margin of error by empowering match officials with the technology to assist in their decision-making," All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey said in a media release. "While we will continue to work to implement VAR, I feel that, to begin with, AVRS can be a great option for a country like India. "AVRS would help us study the impact of the technology, train our match officials with the new concept,

AIFF president Chaubey proposes pan-India inter-university football League

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey proposed a pan-India inter-university football league for the development of the sport across the country. Chaubey pointed out that in advanced sporting countries like the United States, the Olympic and World Championships medal winners "are basically products of University Sports". An inter-university football league on a home-and-away basis would serve more than one purpose. Apart from spreading the game, it would help in the growth of infrastructure, students' involvement and their growth in professional life, Chaubey said during the Flagship Summit Digii100 here on Thursday. Majority of these athletes (Olympic and World Championships medal winners), from whichever sporting discipline they are, hone their skills on the pitches of universities," he said in an AIFF release. "For the opportunities they receive, they turn into world-class sporting personalities; all because of their regular exposure and exploits during th

Super Cup to adhere to AFC's 6 overseas players' rule in upcoming season

The Kalinga Super Cup will follow the AFC's six foreign players rule, the All India Football Federation announced on Thursday. The 16 participating teams can register up to six foreign players in the starting line-up with one from Asia. This is in accordance with the AFC club competitions regulations. "This decision has been taken in view of the fact that winners of the Kalinga Super Cup will qualify for the AFC Champions League 2 2024-25," the AIFF stated. The Indian Super League follows a 3+1 rule -- three non-Asian and one Asian player in the starting XI, even as the top-tier league allows to register six foreign players. The 12 ISL clubs have gained direct entry, while the I-League franchises will play the qualifiers to determine the remaining four teams. The teams are divided into four groups with the top-four making the semi-finals. The tournament will take place across two venues in Odisha from January 9-28. Tournament draw is slated on Monday.

AIFF sacks secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran due to breach of interest

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Wednesday announced that it has sacked secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran due to "breach of trust". Prabhakaran's sacking comes 14 months after his appointment to the high-profile job even as the national federation did not mention what the breach of trust was that prompted the action. "The All India Football Federation hereby announces that the services of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran have been terminated due to breach of trust with immediate effect as of November 7, 2023," the AIFF statement read. "The AIFF Deputy Secretary, Mr M Satyanarayan, will take charge as Acting Secretary General of AIFF with immediate effect," the statement added. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey served the termination letter on Tuesday to Prabhakaran, who was appointed on September 3 in 2022 and took charge on September 6. Prabhakaran has not yet reacted to the development but is expected to give his version soon. AIFF vice-president NA Haris told PTI that even the A

22-member Indian squad announced for Round 2 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers

Indian Women's Team head coach Thomas Dennerby has announced the 22-member squad that will travel to Uzbekistan for the Round 2 AFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers.

Indian football team coach Stimac's contract extended until 2026

Senior national team head coach Igor Stimac's contract has been extended until 2026, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Thursday, rewarding him for overseeing three title triumphs this year. As per the contract, the Croat will automatically get an extension by another two years if India qualify for the third round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Former India stopper Mahesh Gawli, the assistant coach of the senior men's team, was appointed as the head coach of the men's U-23 team. Stimac, a member of the Croatia side that finished third at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, took charge of the Blue Tigers in 2019 and has won four major titles with the side, including two SAFF Championships. "The federation, the members have decided to extended the contract of our national team, Igor Stimac, until the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. We have agreed to this, agreed to continue as one team," AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran said during a virtual interaction. Stimac w

Asiad 2023: India football squad announced, Sunil Chhetri named captain

The Indian football governing body thanked clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) and the FSDL for coordinating with the national body to release players in the Asian Games.

Indian football coach Stimac picked team on astrologer's advice: Report

Then secretary-general of AIFF Kushal Das said that astrologer Bhupesh Sharma was paid Rs 12 to 15 lakh for his services for May and June 2022