In a candid and wide-ranging address, All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey laid out his administration’s plans for the future of Indian football while taking direct aim at critics, particularly former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia.
The AIFF chief touched upon key issues ranging from the national team’s attacking woes and grassroots development to the future of coach Manolo Marquez, inclusion of OCI players, and India’s bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.
Manolo Marquez’s Future to Be Decided on June 29
One of the most anticipated decisions in Indian football—the future of national team head coach Manolo Marquez—will be taken during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting on June 29.
Marquez’s position has come under scrutiny following a disappointing run of results. “His future will be decided at the EC meeting,” Chaubey said, adding that the Federation will evaluate all aspects before making a call.
Grassroots Under Wenger’s Watch
Chaubey revealed that Arsène Wenger’s team is assisting AIFF daily in strengthening grassroots systems. Wenger, who currently serves as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, has been a key figure in reshaping youth football structures worldwide.
“The team of Arsène Wenger is assisting us daily to improve grassroots,” Chaubey stated. He credited the collaboration for the progress at the AIFF-FIFA Academy, which has already shown signs of promise.
AIFF-FIFA Academy Boys Shine
Chaubey highlighted the success of the AIFF-FIFA Academy, launched in November 2023. From a pool of 5,400 players, 30 were selected after a seven-month process. Training began in July 2024, and the boys played their first match in February 2025.
Their results have been emphatic:
- 5-0 win over Inter Kashi U17
- 7-0 vs Jamshedpur
- 8-1 vs Odisha FC
- 5-0 vs MBSG U14 on May 18
“These boys are trained under FIFA coaches and are a reflection of where structured investment in youth can take us,” Chaubey remarked.
Striker Crisis and Foreign Player Policy
India’s persistent problem of goal-scoring and lack of strikers was identified as a major concern.
“Our main area of focus is the lack of goal-scoring and shortage of strikers. One possible measure could be to allow fewer foreigners to give more chances to Indian forwards,” Chaubey noted.
While he didn’t confirm changes to the foreign player quota in the domestic league, he hinted at support if stakeholders move in that direction:
“I cannot say anything about reducing foreigners—it’s the stakeholders’ decision. But if it helps our national team and gives more time to Indian strikers, I will happily support it.”
Chaubey also revealed an interesting initiative: AIFF is trying to bring in a top-10 global striker to train 4–5 Indian U23 forwards in a short finishing crash course.
OCI Players Could Bolster National Team
The AIFF president confirmed that the Federation has begun talks with the Indian government to allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to represent the national team.
“Communication has started with various government departments. The initial response has been positive, but this will take time,” he said.
Chaubey revealed that AIFF is tracking 33 players eligible for OCI cards, some of whom have already received them. “We are helping the rest through the process. If approved, this could significantly improve our talent pool.”
Firing Back at Bhaichung Bhutia’s Allegations
Chaubey did not hold back while addressing allegations of corruption made by former AIFF VP and legend Bhaichung Bhutia, who is backing a petition for leadership change.
“There are 3-4 people running this petition—some were part of AIFF earlier or lost elections against us. I’ve been personally targeted, and so has my family. But I speak only in facts and numbers,” said Chaubey.
He also called out Bhutia’s presence in 11 AIFF Executive Committee meetings:
“He has been part of these meetings where he could have raised concerns. The minutes are public. Why raise it now?”
Chaubey also questioned Bhutia’s influence on young players and their families:
“Being a legend, he’s making people believe that being part of his academy guarantees them success. That’s misleading.”
India Aiming for 2031 AFC Asian Cup and Olympic Ambitions
With India officially bidding to host the 2036 Olympic Games, Chaubey confirmed that AIFF is also in talks to bring the 2031 AFC Asian Cup to Indian soil.
However, infrastructure remains a bottleneck. “Many of our stadiums follow old models. Tracks separate fans from the pitch. We’ve requested states to build modern stadiums that improve viewing experiences,” he said.
Coaches and Women’s Football Development a Priority
Chaubey emphasized the need for better coach education, stating:
“As a federation, our first job is to grow Indian coaches. Player selection and training quality are deeply linked to coach development.”
On women’s football, he focused on safeguarding players in the 17–22 age bracket. “We must ensure they’re not deprived as they transition into seniors. That’s the role of a national federation.”
Kalyan Chaubey’s address was part strategy, part rebuttal, and full of intent. From grassroots to the international stage, he outlined bold measures for reviving Indian football—while firmly putting critics in their place.
Whether the plans materialise or not, one thing is clear: Indian football is at a critical crossroads, and decisions made in the coming months could shape the sport for years to come.