Jaydeep Basu

NO ISL COMMERCIAL DEAL YET The AIFF SGM in Kolkata on Saturday, May 23, 2026, didn't approve the proposed ISL commercial bid from Genius Sports. It will be taken up by the AIFF Exco once again and the decision would be sent to the SGM for its final call. #IndianFootball

EAST BENGAL: THE AWAKENING OF THE FOUNTAIN It was a night of glory for a dawn that East Bengal had been searching for ever since they joined the ISL bandwagon. While their millions of fans waited for this moment with bated breath despite too many heartbreaks for too long a time, their Spanish manager Oscar Bruzon broke the shackles of failure with a dedicated bunch of boys. He had to fight a few battles within the system, off the pitch, but the red and golden brigade stayed determined to be responsible for the history book this time. Well done, East Bengal. The legacy never dies; the tradition still has the power to dictate terms in this world, no matter how much these values are ridiculed by the rapidly-growing numbers of upstarts. #IndianFootball

AIFF FOOTBALL HOUSE: DARKNESS AT NOON Recently, a video clip circulating on social media captured an interesting activity; the AIFF President @kalyanchaubey was spotted distributing free tickets to fans in Kolkata minutes before the start of the ISL Kolkata Derby. Kudos to Chaubey for such benevolence, though one strongly suspects it was mainly for the optics. Normally, charity doesn’t begin at home for Chaubey and his chief constable M Satyanarayan, the Deputy Secretary General of the AIFF. Ever since the duo wrested full control in early 2024, they have reduced the headquarters of the AIFF, Football House in Delhi, to complete shambles through their blatant anti-staff activities. The staff members are being mistreated in the worst possible manner. Their annual increments have been stopped; the yearly bonus has been reduced drastically with TAs/DAs heavily cut down. The long-standing practice of one month’s salary as a bonus payment is a thing of the past. What the Chaubey-Satyanarayan combination offers now is a pittance. Senior and experienced staff members have either left in disgust or have been shown the door. Little effort has been made to fill in the vacant positions with professionals. Rampant parochialism has allegedly played a role in fresh recruitments. Nearly 14 months have passed since any annual increment has been offered to a staff member, barring a few exceptions. Instead, some of them are encouraged to work from home so that salaries can be reduced. The contracts of most of the employees have been extended only up to May 31. The chief argument is that there is a paucity of funds since the sponsors and investors have steadily run away under the Chaubey-Satyanarayan administration. Very true. But it hasn’t stopped the AIFF from buying an SUV for Rs 33 lakhs, which remains stationed almost for the exclusive use of Chaubey. A luxurious guest house is permanently booked for Rs. 80,000/- per month. The President parks himself there for days whenever he is in Delhi. The number of air tickets issued to the President in the past four years has surely broken all previous records. The total amount is simply staggering. The severe cash crunch hasn’t stopped the DSG from receiving the nod of the Finance Committee for a 30 per cent increment that runs into six figures. In the meantime, the AIFF has enough money to entertain its entourage of members in a five-star hotel in Kolkata for 72 hours for a two-hour Special General Meeting on May 23 which is reportedly called for “discussion and deliberation". The coffers suddenly dry up when it comes to paying those who toil day and night to actively run the game throughout the year. The nearer the church, the further from God. This post serves no purpose. It will make no difference. Because a leopard cannot change its spots. @IndianFootball @IndiaSports @YASMinistry @NisithPramanik

EXCLUSIVE | Legal Notice Rocks AIFF Ahead of Crucial SGM In a significant development, Ms. Valanka Alemao — AIFF Executive Committee Member, Chairperson of the AIFF Women’s Football Committee, and Member of the FIFA Women’s Football Committee — has issued a legal notice dated 10 May 2026 to the President and Deputy Secretary General of the All India Football Federation. The notice demanded the immediate cancellation of the Special General Body Meeting (SGM) scheduled for 23 May 2026, citing multiple violations of the AIFF Constitution approved by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Key Allegations: •The General Body has not been duly constituted as mandated under Article 20 of the AIFF Constitution (approved vide Supreme Court judgment dated 19 September 2025 in All India Football Federation v. Rahul Mehra & Ors.).
The Constitution explicitly requires: ◦15 Eminent Players (minimum 5 women) elected from the National Players’ Association (per Schedule IV) ◦3 Club representatives (ISL, I-League, Indian Women’s League) ◦2 Referees’ representatives (1 male, 1 female) ◦2 Coaches’ representatives (1 male, 1 female) •Despite calling for applications to form the National Players’, Coaches’ and Referees’ Associations on 12 December 2025 (deadline: 11 January 2026), these bodies were not constituted. •The proposed SGM agenda includes constitutional amendments (including changes to Articles 25.3(c) & (d) and alignment with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025). Such amendments require 75% quorum of the full strength of the General Body under Article 23.1 and proposals to be submitted 25 days in advance by at least 3 members (Article 23.2) — both requirements have been violated. •Agenda item on commercial partners for ISL, IWL & Super League also contravenes Article 21.1(m), which mandates 75% approval for agreements longer than 4 years or exceeding ₹5 crore. •The timing of the SGM — immediately before summer court vacations — raises concerns of an attempt to rush through decisions while limiting judicial recourse. The notice referred the Supreme Court’s strong emphasis on including eminent sportspersons (minimum 25% under NSC 2011) to ensure “transparency and fair play” and good governance. Demands in the Notice: 1Forthwith cancel the SGM scheduled for 23 May 2026. 2Immediately constitute the National Players’, Coaches’ and Referees’ Associations and complete the General Body as per the Constitution. 3Provide written confirmation of compliance within one week. Failing which, Ms. Alemao has instructed her counsel to initiate appropriate legal proceedings. Full legal notice and Supreme Court judgment excerpts are now in public domain. This latest flashpoint questions the ongoing tension between the AIFF’s reform commitments under the Supreme Court-mandated Constitution and its implementation on the ground. Indian football continues its long road to structural transparency. Developments awaited. ⚽ #AIFF #IndianFootball #ValankaAlemao #SupremeCourt #FootballGovernance #SportsLaw (Source: Legal Notice dated 10.05.2026 issued by Adv. Kanika Singh on behalf of Ms. Valanka Alemao)

Oscar Bruzón is set to leave East Bengal FC at the end of the season, with growing uncertainty around the Indian football roadmap playing a key role. Concerns over the club’s planning, lack of clarity on key player extensions, and absence of a long-term vision have influenced the decision. A big announcement is expected soon. 🔴⚽️ #EastBengal #IndianFootball By - Sayan Sarkar Sports Editor IFF News

AIFF’S NEO-NORMAL The AIFF filed an appeal today challenging certain decisions of the Delhi High Court in the Churchill Brothers FC’s case against @kalyanchaubey over his conflict of interest issues. The AIFF is picking up the bills for the litigation despite the petition being primarily against Chaubey and not involving the federation. This is a litigation that Chaubey should contest individually. Incidentally, the AIFF hasn’t offered any salary increment to its staff members for more than a year now, citing paucity of funds. The contractual employees’ agreement has only been extended until May 31. #IndianFootball

BAD TASTE IN THE MOUTH  If ISL is a circus, then it has its share of clowns too. Some foreign coaches are in the lead roles. Juan Pedro Ben Ali Hammou today joined the show. Being successful managers doesn't grant licences for poor conduct on the pitch. #IndianFootbal

A POINT AT LAST It is heartening to see Mohammedan Sporting earn their first point in the ongoing ISL with a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC. Once a mighty side, the jewel in the crown of Indian club culture, they were reduced to the favourite whipping boys right from the beginning of the season. However, this point may still prove pointless in the end, as they are already staring at the relegation. Mohammedan Sporting have no one to blame except themselves. Poor management is their core problem, something, one sadly suspects, they are unwilling to solve. #IndianFootball

CONSTITUTIONAL “ROADBLOCK” IN AIFF The AIFF has denied Ms. Valanka Alemao’s request to provide her with the audio recording of the Executive Committee meeting held on March 29, 2026, saying its constitution prohibits them from sharing it with any individual Exco member. However, the AIFF Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan, while writing this letter, hasn’t specified the article in the AIFF constitution that stops the secretariat from sharing the recording. Last week, Ms. Alemao alleged that she was “harassed and heckled” in the said meeting by Kalyan Chaubey, NA Haris and M. Satyanarayan. She subsequently filed a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee. Unconfirmed sources revealed that Ms. Alemao requested for the audio recording after the global body asked her to submit evidence against her claims. #IndianFootball

THE ELUSIVE AUDIO RECORDING OF THE AIFF EXCO The AIFF is yet to share the audio recording of the contentious Exco meeting on March 29, 2026, after its Executive Committee member, Valenka Alemao, asked for it. Responding to a written request from Ms. Alemao for the audio recording, the AIFF said her request has been forwarded to the concerned authority. Ms. Alemao, who alleged that she was heckled and harassed during the said meeting, has lodged a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee. #IndianFootball

Assam’s own #Pele, #GilbertsonSangma, mesmerised fans across the state in the 1970s and 80s. Representing Assam Police, he took on giants like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting. He also represented the Indian senior team in 1975. A true legend of Assam football.

🚨 Allegations vs Reality 🚨 Allegations of conflict of interest involving Kalyan Chaubey are making rounds—but how much of it is actually true? In times like these, it’s crucial to separate facts from speculation. Transparency and clear communication are essential to maintain public trust. 🎙️ Join us LIVE tonight at 10 PM as we break it all down with insights and discussion. Special guest: @jaydeepbasu #TruthMatters #Accountability

CRISPIN CHETTRI BACK AT THE HELM? The AIFF Technical Committee has recommended Crispin Chettri to be the Head Coach of the Senior National Women’s Team for the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series in Kenya and the 2026 SAFF Women’s Championships. Sujata Kar has been recommended as the Assistant coach. Why is the AIFF holding back the announcement though the tournaments are round the corner? #IndianFootball

INDIA & CURACAO: A STUDY IN CONTRAST The National football teams of India and Curaçao have a striking similarity in their nicknames. While India are called “Blue Tigers”, Curacao are known as the “Blue Wave”. The analogy, however, stops at the nicknames. Beyond it, there is nothing common between the two. India, one of the biggest & most populated countries in the world, could never make the second round of the qualifies in World Cup football. Curaçao, has recently become the smallest nation – a population of just over 150,000, and a land area of 171 square miles - to qualify for the global showpiece. The man who has guided Curaçao to the 2026 World Cup finals is one of world’s oldest coaches. In January 2024, Curaçao turned the tide with the hiring of a World Cup-experienced tactician Dutchman Dick Advocaat. This is what FIFA said about the coach and his appointment by the Curaçao federation. “A man who helped the Netherlands to the quarter-finals at USA 1994 and shepherded Korea Republic at Germany 2006, the 78-year-old Advocaat had the golden touch in qualifying, as his charges amassed an astounding 28 goals in their ten qualifying matches, the best among all teams in Concacaf, while leaking a paltry three goals during the final round.” Though the veteran tactician stepped down in February 2026 for personal reasons, with Curaçao handing the reins to fellow countryman Fred Rutten, it was the masterstroke of the Curaçao federation that paved the way for the historic qualification. GILBERT MARTINA, President, Curaçao football federation: A consultant and author of the book “Healthy Minds, Healthy Nation”. He previously held senior roles in the insurance and pension sectors in Curaçao. He served in high-level leadership roles, including Managing Director of the Curaçao Medical Center. FABI CONSTANSIA, Vice President: Outside of her roles in sports governance, she has worked as a Project Manager at BearingPoint Caribbean and Blyce. She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Public Administration from Erasmus University Rotterdam. JAN PETER DOGGE, General Secretary: Before moving to Curaçao, he served as the Integrity Officer for the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). In this role, he was the primary architect of policies regarding match-fixing prevention and ethical conduct in professional Dutch football. He has frequently collaborated with FIFA on integrity workshops and regulatory frameworks, positioning him as a global expert in football's legal landscape. Education & experience do matter. #IndianFootball

HC REMOVES AIFF ETHICS COMMITTEE Delhi HIgh court, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, removed AIFF Ethics Committee & appointed Justice (retired) Ms Rekha Palli as its chairperson. The order came in the light of Churchill Brothers' complaint that more than one member of the committee constituted by the AIFF were not eligible because of conflict of interest. #IndianFootball

AIFF WOMAN MEMBER ALLEGES HARASSMENT The AIFF Executive Committee member Ms. Valanka Alemao, on Monday, accused two top office bearers and one senior secretariat member of allegedly “heckling and harassing” her during the Exco meeting in New Delhi on Sunday, March 29, 2026. In a letter to the Exco members, Ms. Alemao said, “I wish to place on record the entirely disgusting behaviour of the AIFF President Mr Kalyan Chaubey, Vice President Mr N. A. Haris and Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan….I feel deeply prejudiced and I found that several attempts were made by the President to suppress my voice…. “The President made remarks against me which were unnecessary and disrespectful. He along with the DSG raised his tone time and again beyond an acceptable decibel with the intention to intimidate me…..Throughout the course of the meeting, I was consistently targeted,” Ms. Alemao alleged in her letter. This hasn’t come as a surprise to those who are aware of AIFF’s previous records, especially in the Football House. Skeletons are waiting to tumble out of the cupboard. All it needs is a bit of digging. #IndianFootball