NEW DELHI — Members of the All India Football Federation blocked President Kalyan Chaubey's proposal to liquidate the federation's fixed deposit to cover expenses from high-profile international friendlies, officials said Sunday.
The three matches against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama are estimated to have incurred a deficit of between ₹80 crore and ₹85 crore. Chaubey had proposed withdrawing money from the federation's fixed deposit to meet the shortfall, but the proposal faced stiff resistance at a Special General Body Meeting.
Several members maintained that the fixed deposit should remain untouched except in emergencies. AIFF Vice President NA Haris intervened during the discussion, pointing out that the federation's Executive Committee had already decided against liquidating the FD.
Former AIFF President Praful Patel also raised concerns, reminding Chaubey that during a previous SGBM, he had assured members that funds for hosting the international friendlies would be arranged through external sources. Patel pressed Chaubey to disclose when and how much the federation would have to pay its creditors.
Following the objections, it was decided that Haris would meet with General Body members to discuss the issue before the matter was placed before the Executive Committee again for a decision on whether the fixed deposit could be liquidated.
When contacted by PTI, Chaubey declined to comment, describing the meeting as internal. The controversy raises questions about the AIFF's financial position and its ability to fund regular football activities, including domestic championships and the Santosh Trophy, amid mounting losses from the international fixtures.
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