December 23 – Shaji Prabhakaran, a former high-ranking official in Indian football, has accused current Indian football boss Kalyan Chaubey of ethics violations.
In a letter to the ethics committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Prabhakaran submitted a formal complaint against Chaubey (pictured) for “potential violations” of AIFF, FIFA and AFC’s ethics code. He has demanded a formal investigation. Prabhakaran briefly served as the secretary general under Chaubey before he was dismissed in January.
“There are a number of instances where Mr Kalyan Chaubey has caused serious reputational damages and financial loss to AIFF,” wrote Prabhakaran.
“All his actions have resulted in serious consequences to the beautiful game in India. The Indian men’s team didn’t win a single match in the calendar year 2024, it is the direct result of his actions.”
He accuses Chaubey of a conflict of interest, a bribery attempt, misrepresentation, misinformation and violations of the AIFF constitution in his role as the governing body’s president.
Prabhakaran says that Chaubey wanted to extend a contract with production company Kaleidoscope Production and Services LLP (KPS Studio) for the 2023-24 I-league season despite a family member having links with KPS Studio.
He also accused Chaubey of PR stunts, including attaching the FIFA brand name to the Santosh Trophy, “without the written approval of FIFA.”
The former AIFF secretary general further alleges that “a political functionary from Bengal has accused Mr. Kalyan Chaubey that Mr. Chaubey attempted to offer him an official position in AIFF if he helps Mr. Chaubey to win local bypoll in the month of July 2024.”
Chaubey’s ascension to the AIFF presidency was controversial. He succeeded Praful Patel, a politician of the Congress party who overstayed. FIFA briefly suspended India, requesting the committee of administrators, appointed by the Supreme Court, to hand power back to the federation. Chaubey then came to power, but the current AIFF president is a member of the controversial ruling party, the BJP.
“Further, his actions have also damaged the brand values of not only AIFF properties (competitions, national teams, etc.) but also dented the negotiation power of the AIFF with its marketing partner,” reads Prabhakaran’s letter.
“His actions have possibly resulted in negatively impacting the investors’ sentiments towards football in India, and this way it is perceived that not only AIFF marketing partner lost possible sponsorship revenues but also clubs and other stakeholders have lost attracting commercial revenues.”
The AIFF has been contacted for comment.
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