Former All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Shaji Prabhakaran has lodged a formal complaint against AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey accusing him of multiple 'unethical practices'; PTI has confirmed.

Prabhakaran has alleged that Chaubey's misconduct has caused significant financial setbacks for AIFF and demanded an investigation by the Ethics Committee of the AIFF, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and FIFA.

Controversy hits Indian Football

In a letter to the Ethics committee of the AIFF dated 22 December 2024, Prabhakaran lodged an official complaint briefing the claims of nepotism and improper use of FIFA's name without any official authorization.

Prabhakaran also accused Chaubey of violations of the constitution of AIFF, a severe allegation of potential bribery, political misuse of position, and many others that have 'directly resulted in the Indian National Team failing to win a single match' in 2024.

There are a number of instances where Mr Kalyan Chaubey has caused serious reputational damages and financial loss to AIFF,

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

Prabhakaran mentioned that Chaubey wanted to extend a contract with production company Kaleidoscope Production and Services LLP (KPS Studio) for the 2023-24 I-league season without any proper tender process, despite alleged personal links with KPS Studio.

AIFF Secretary General Dr Shaji Prabhakaran elected AFC Executive Committee member

He also accused Chaubey of PR stunts, including attaching the FIFA brand name to the National Championship for 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 by-poll in the month of July 2024.”

According to the complaint, Chaubey unlawfully dismissed Prabhakaran from his position in January, which caused legal financial expenses for AIFF. The sacking of former head coach Igor Stimac also led to unnecessary financial payouts.

Prabhakaran's letter also claimed:

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

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.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Prabhakaran expressed his determination to seek justice, stating,

I waited for more than a year to formally bring these issues to the Ethical Committee after addressing them on various platforms. It is the duty of the institution to investigate these matters thoroughly and come forward with a transparent resolution. Having seen no action taken despite my patience, I decided to submit a formal complaint outlining all violations, hoping that both the AFC and FIFA will conduct a thorough investigation into these claims.

This complaint arises from increasing concerns about the state of Indian football, as stakeholders express frustration over mismanagement and declining performances. Shaji's allegations highlight the urgent need for transparency and ethical practices within the AIFF.

However, Chaubey declined to comment on the serious allegations when approached by PTI.

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