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Tag: AIFF

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AIFF legal head accuses president Kalyan Chaubey of corruption | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The principal legal advisor of the All India Football Federation, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, on Saturday levied significant 'corruption allegations' against president Kalyan Chaubey.In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhattacharjee outlined Chaubey's purported involvement in corrupt practices, citing instances such as the manipulation of tender processes and preferential allocation of contracts without transparency. Bhattacharjee alleged that Chaubey attempted to 'siphon off money from the federation's exchequer' and utilized funds for personal expenses. Chaubey dismissed the claims as groundless and declared his intention to pursue legal recourse."...through coercion and at his own subservient interest, allotted numerous tenders such as broadcasting of I-Leag...
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WATCH: Players in Delhi Football League match concede dubious-looking own goals to spark match-fixing fears

Match-fixing allegations were levelled at a Delhi Football League match on Monday when Ahbab FC, who were winning the match 4-0, conceded two dubious-looking own goals late in their game against Rangers FC. The match finished 4-2 in favour of Ahbab FC. The incident gained traction on social media after videos of the two goals surfaced online. In the first instance, Ahbab FC players can be seen passing the ball in and around their own half with no pressure or players from Rangers nearby, in the 86th minute of the match. The ‘move’ ended with one of the Ahbab player lobbing the ball back into his own net for a goal, with the keeper standing away from the goal post. https://t.co/wclleyfHfE I tweeted about it in January mid – no one did anything- again I have been proven right – can you...
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East Bengal crowned champions of Super Cup | Football News – Times of India

A dozen years of waiting is finally over and the Red-and-Gold cabinet, unchanged for 12 long years, has found a new jewel to add. However, claiming it from the home of the defending champions proved to be a tough task as Carles Cuadrat’s men needed 120 minutes to carve out a 3-2 win over Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.The summit clash at Kalinga Stadium lived up to its billing with four goals scored in regulation time, two red cards shown and the winner finally coming from the poaching finesse of East Bengal skipper Cleiton Silva in the 110th minute.The intent to end the trophy draught was clear as Cuadrat’s men began attacking from the word go from both the flanks. However, the first scoring chance of the final came to the hosts in the 15th minute from a dominant Roy Krishna run on...
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India’s football coach Igor Stimac says ‘don’t ask about results in Asian Cup’ | Football News – Times of India

The head coach of the Indian men's football team, Igor Stimac, has expressed his view that the upcoming Asian Cup in Doha shouldn't be deemed as a significant tournament for the national team. Stimac cited the absence of a proper national camp as a crucial factor, a sentiment that might stir some discontent within the All India Football Federation (AIFF).Stimac had advocated for a minimum of four weeks of preparation in a national camp leading up to the premier continental competition starting on January 12.However, the scheduling conflict with the first phase of the Indian Super League (ISL), extending until December 29, poses a challenge as clubs are unlikely to release their players for an extended training camp.With a formidable match against Australia scheduled for January 13, Stim...
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Arsene Wenger on how to improve Indian football: Equip players from 5 to 15 with the best possible technical skills

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Monday that India must focus on equipping upcoming players with the best possible technical skills before they turn 15 as a possible means to find their place on the global football map. “What will football be like in 2030? How can we imagine what our needed quality is in 2030? But what is for sure, is where we start with technique,” Wenger said. “Football is a technical sport. We have to equip the players from five to 15 with the best possible capacity to be technically at the top. That means, basically, to make it simple, is to make the ball his friend. The rest can be developed later. And this is absolutely vital.” Wenger cited the example of Japan, where he had been a coach with Nagoya Grampus before his move to Arsenal. “I was in Japan a...
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AIFF sacks Shaji Prabhakaran citing ‘breach of trust’

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced it has sacked Shaji Prabhakaran on Wednesday due to a breach of trust. “The All India Football Federation hereby announces that the services of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran have been terminated due to breach of trust with immediate effect as of November 7, 2023,” AIFF has quoted in its press release. “The AIFF Deputy Secretary, Mr M Satyanarayan, will take charge as Acting Secretary General of AIFF with immediate effect,” it was further quoted. We have to remain true to our game and when we have the position of power and influence then our responsibility is far higher to do our work with sincerity and dedication without any personal interests. Never allow personal interests to dominate the mind and decisions. Let’s… — Shaji Prabhakaran (@Sh...
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Without single training session, India face formidable China in Asian Games football opener – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India's national football team faces a challenging situation as they prepare for their opening match against China in the Asian Games. The team had little time to prepare due to last-minute squad announcements and logistical issues.The squad for the tournament was finalised just before the competition, leaving no time for proper training sessions.Additionally, two players, Konsam Chinglensana Singh and Lalchungnunga, were unable to join the team on time due to visa issues. While they are expected to receive "express visas" and join the team soon, they will miss the crucial opening match against China.Head coach Igor Stimac has made the decision to rest senior defender Sandesh Jhingan and star striker Sunil Chhetri for the opening match, aiming to have them fresh for the subse...
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AIFF name Sunil Chhetri for Asian Games but silent on coach | undefined News – Times of India

PANAJI: Sunil Chhetri will be the lone senior player in the Indian team and will lead a relatively inexperienced 17-member squad for the Asian Games 2023 in China later this month. Significantly, the AIFF has not announced the coach. Igor Stimac has been registered as coach for the Asian Games, but should be choose not to take charge since several players are unavailable, assistant coach Mahesh Gawli will be the coach. AIFF will hold talks with Stimac on Thursday.Chhetri is the lone senior player in the 17-member squad as several ISL clubs refused to release key players. The other two seniors – Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan – won’t make the trip after their clubs refused to release them outside the FIFA international window and during the Indian Super League (ISL). The footb...
Sports

Sunil Chhetri only known face in 17-member Indian football team for Asian Games, Stimac’s status not known | undefined News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In the 17-member Indian squad for the Hangzhou Asian Games, veteran striker Sunil Chhetri emerged as the sole notable figure. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) managed to assemble a second-rung team, although there remains uncertainty regarding head coach Igor Stimac's participation with the team.The majority of clubs initially expressed reluctance to release the 22 players originally named in the Indian squad due to scheduling conflicts between the Asian Games' football competition and the Indian Super League (ISL), which is set to commence on September 21.After prolonged and intensive negotiations, the AIFF was able to unveil a somewhat under-strength team, which retained nine players from the original 22, including Sunil Chhetri. The remaining slots were filled with...
Sports

We have sent a list of players to AIFF for Asian Games selection: East Bengal coach

East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat on Wednesday said that his club has sent a list of players to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the selection of the national team for the Hangzhou Asian Games. Most of the clubs had shown unwillingness to release the 22 players named in the Indian squad as the Asian Games’ football competition schedule clashes with the ISL, which starts on September 21. “We have respect for the national team and have sent them a list of players they can use. The clubs and federation (AIFF) must cooperate to do the best for the country,” Cuadrat said during a press conference ahead of the ISL.Most Read 1 Jawan box office collection Day 6: Shah Rukh Khan’s film to soon cross Rs 600 cr mark worldwide 2 Deepika...
Sports

Asian Cup prelims: India football coach gave details of players to astrologer, picked team on his advice

“Hi dear friend, you can check charts for each player from the list for 11 June. Kick off time is at 20.30.”ON June 9, 2022, 48 hours before India were scheduled to face Afghanistan in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier in Kolkata, national football team coach Igor Stimac sent this message to Bhupesh Sharma, an astrologer from Delhi NCR, who was introduced to him by a top All India Football Federation (AIFF) official, The Indian Express has learnt.The “list” Stimac referred to had the names of the probable 11 for the game, a must-win for an out-of-form and injury-ridden India to remain in contention for the prestigious continental championship. Within hours, the astrologer replied with his remarks against each name: “Good”; “can do very well. Needs to avoid over confidence”; “a below average...
Sports

Asian Games exclusion is de-motivating and discouraging: Dipa Karmakar | More sports News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Left out of the Indian squad for the Asian Games, a fuming Dipa Karmakar on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Sports Ministry for leaving her de-motivated and discouraged with their "deafening silence".The gymnast, who achieved a historic fourth place finish at the 2016 Rio Olympics, recently topped the Asian Games trials in her event but was excluded from the Indian squad as she didn't fulfill criteria of a top-eight finish in the last 12 months.In her case, it was not possible as she was serving a two-year ban due to anti-doping violation.Two days after her coach Bisheshwar Nandi lashed out at SAI, Dipa took to social media to vent her anger and helplessness."On this Independence Day, I am using my freedom of speech to discuss rec...
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Chhetri, Sandhu & Jhingan’s names not in list sent for Asian Games; AIFF prez says organisers have been requested to give them accreditation | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indian football's talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and centre-back Sandesh Jhingan's names are missing from the country's official list of athletes for the upcoming Asian Games in China's Hangzhou, TOI has reliably learnt.In the men's football competition at the Games, a country has to field its U-23 team, but three players in the squad can be 23 years and above. For women, there is no age restriction.All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey, who is also the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) joint secretary and acting CEO, had, in recent interviews to media publications, said that Chhetri, goalkeeper Sandhu and Jhingan will be the three over 23-year-old players in the squad. He also said that Chhetri would be the captain...
Sports

Indian football team unlikely to play at Asian Games for second successive edition

The Indian football team is unlikely to play in the Asian Games for the second consecutive time as it does not meet the Sports Ministry’s criteria of being among the top-8 sides in the continent. It’s given rise to an ironic situation where the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which is headed by Kalyan Chaubey, will hope for some leniency from the Indian Olympic Association, of which he is the acting CEO and the joint secretary. The AIFF will also hope that the government grants an exemption to their rule. The AIFF had shortlisted 40 players for the tournament, which is meant for Under-23 players with 3 allowed in the squad above the specified age, and put senior coach Igor Stimac in charge of the team. The Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8...
Sports

Indian football team set to miss Asian Games for second successive edition | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With the Indian football team not meeting the sports ministry's criteria of being among the top-8 sides in Asia, it is likely to miss the upcoming Hangzhou Games. This will be the second time in a row that the Indian team will not be participating in the Asian Games. The team is currently ranked 18th among countries under the Asian Football Confederation.The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had earlier planned that the national senior team head coach Igor Stimac would take an Under-23 side to the September 23 to October 8 Asian Games after the Kings Cup in Thailand (September 7-10).Since 2002, football in Asian Games has been an U-23 affair with three players above that age are also permitted in a team.In a letter sent to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and all the Natio...
Sports

AIFF Club Licensing Committee grants exemptions to three ISL sides

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Club Licensing Committee on Saturday granted exemptions to Indian Super League sides Hyderabad FC, North East United and East Bengal from fulfilling certain criteria for the upcoming domestic season. Six I-League clubs — Sreenidi Deccan, Gokulam Kerala, Mohammedan Sporting, Real Kashmir, Churchill Brothers and Aizawl FC — were also granted certain exemptions by the Club Licensing Committee which met here on Saturday under the chairmanship of Girja Mungali. “The committee discussed the exemption requests submitted by three Premier 1 clubs (Hyderabad FC, North East United FC, and East Bengal FC), as well as seven Premier 2 clubs (Sreenidi Deccan FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Mohammedan SC, Real Kashmir FC, Rajasthan United FC, Churchill Brothers FC, and...
Sports

Young Jeakson Singh flags the obvious about Manipur violence | Football News – Times of India

Wonder what Kalyan Chaubey makes of Jeakson Singh’s act of courage during India’s celebration after winning the SAFF Championship, in trying to draw the Indian government to look at Manipur and help stop the horrific two-month-old violence in the state. Is a nameless, faceless, zero-nuance official All India Football Federation (AIFF) statement on its way, telling us that politics has no place in sports? Perhaps.Chaubey, much-travelled former goalkeeper, is now much-travelled AIFF president. A born-again BJP member who made it to the highest office in Indian football due to his party affiliation despite little or no time spent as a football administrator, Chaubey would have looked on wanly at Jeakson’s action. Or turned a blind eye only to rain retribution later.Jeaskon, a midfielder ha...
Sports

Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manisha Kalyan named men’s and women’s AIFF Players of Year for 2022-23 | Football News – Times of India

BENGALURU: India and Mumbai City FC winger Lallianzuala Chhangte was on Tuesday named the AIFF Men's Footballer of the Year, on the back of his impressive performance in the Indian Super League (ISL) and for the national team.The 26-year-old Mizoram player featured in 12 matches during the international season for India, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the 2022-23 season. He beat national team-mates Nandhakumar Sekar and Naorem Mahesh Singh to the coveted award.Chhangte, who is currently doing national duty in the SAFF Championships here, played in 22 matches during Mumbai City FC's ISL Winners' Shield-winning campaign last season and scored 10 goals while providing six assists.He also netted seven goals in seven matches in the Durand Cup last season, while also scoring on...
Sports

SAFF Championship: Lebanon set up semis clash with India after defeating Maldives 1-0 | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Lebanon secured a 1-0 victory over Maldives in Group B match on Wednesday to earn themselves a spot in the semifinal of the SAFF Championship. With the win, Lebanon set up the highly anticipated semis clash against hosts India which will take place on Saturday. The lone goal of the contest was scored by the captain Hassan Maatouk, who brilliantly curled in a freekick in the 24th minute. Lebanon's exceptional performance throughout the group stage resulted in them finishing at the top of their group with a perfect record, having won all of their matches. The two teams met recently in the final of the Intercontinental Cup in Bhubaneswar, where India emerged the winners.The Maldives, ranked 154 in the FIFA Men's rankings, were hoping to punch above its weight by winning against ...
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AIFF rejects Kerala Blasters’ appeal against Rs 4 crore fine for abandonment of ISL game | Football News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation on Friday rejected Kerala Blasters FC's appeal against the Rs 4 crore fine imposed on them for misconduct and abandonment of their ISL playoff match against Bengaluru FC.The committee also rejected KBFC's head coach Ivan Vukumanovic's appeal against the fine of Rs 5 lakh and a 10-game ban imposed on him.In both cases, the Appeal Committee upheld the earlier decisions of the Disciplinary Committee and were asked to "pay the respective fines within two weeks".Their ISL playoff on March 3 sparked controversy as Kerala Blasters walked off the field claiming that Sunil Chhetri's winning strike from an extra time freekick was not "legitimate".They claimed that referee Crystal John did not blow the whistle before Chhetri took the kick and the player...