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After the legal advisor of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Nilanjan Bhattacharjee accused Kalyan Chaubey of corruption, former Indian footballer, Bhaichung Bhutia has further slammed the AIFF president. Chaubey has been under the scanner ever since the sacking of the former general secretary, Shaji Prabhakaran.
After Prabhakaran's exit and the Indian returning home after a disappointing end, Kalyan Chaubey faced a lot of flack as many criticised the AIFF for their actions leading to the poor results. These criticisms were taken to the next level after Bhattacharjee sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing Chaubey of "corruption avenues" through the non-transparent tender process and preferential allotment of tender.
I think it is a very sad affair: Bhaichung Bhutia on Indian Football
Speaking on these claims, Bhaichung Bhutia said Kalyan Chaubey has failed Indian football and described him as one of the key reasons behind the downfall of the Blue Tigers. Speaking to IANS, Bhutia revealed, “It is complete mismanagement by the top-most, including the President himself. Even today if you look at it, there is a lot of mismanagement in the administrative activities. There is a lot of misuse of funds. There is a complete mess in the AIFF, and Kalyan as President has really damaged the image of the AIFF."
“And today, I think it is so sad to read a lot of controversies that are happening in the federation with the financial thing. The lawyer of the AIFF has filed a case against the President. The General Secretary has filed a case against the President. I think it is a very sad affair and it is very sad for Indian football that how the President and his leadership has taken the game,” he grieved.
Took money from the federation's exchequer: Bhattacharjee on Chubey
Coming back to Bhattacharjee, AIFF's legal advisor had alleged that Chaubey attempted to "siphon off money from the federation's exchequer" and used AIFF funds 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's letter said, as per PTI.
"Further tenders running into crores were allotted to the same service provider for broadcasting of futsal and other such tournaments." Bhattacharjee claimed Chaubey attempted to "malign" his image and professional integrity when he ensured safeguards in tenders.
"Crores of money have been spent by the current president for his personal trips, hotel stays. For his numerous Bangalore trip alone, a conservative estimation of more than Rs 40 lakhs has been spent to fund his business class travel, local conveyance and hotel stays," the letter continued.
