Bhaichung Bhutia Calls for AIFF Overhaul

Bhaichung Bhutia, the legendary former India captain, has called for a complete overhaul of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following the national team's poor performances, notably a 0-3 defeat to Syria and a 0-0 draw against Mauritius in the recent Intercontinental Cup. Bhutia criticized the AIFF for lacking a clear roadmap for football in India, leading to a decline in FIFA rankings from the top 100 to 125. He emphasized the urgent need for a new governing body, constitutional reforms, and fresh elections to revitalize the sport. Bhutia expressed hope for a swift Supreme Court verdict regarding the AIFF's constitution, highlighting that mere plans like 'Vision 2046' must be implemented effectively, rather than just existing on paper. He further lamented the federation's focus on non-football issues, suggesting it should prioritize performance and results instead. India's failure to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers also contributed to the recent upheaval, resulting in the sacking of former head coach Igor Stimac and subsequent legal disputes.