Bhaichung Bhutia pointed out that India’s FIFA ranking has dropped from 96 in 2017 to 127 in 2024 — a sharp decline that has occurred during Kalyan Chaubey’s tenure as AIFF President. The regression reflects deeper structural issues that continue to plague Indian football.
"I think with Kalyan, obviously now a lot of people who helped during that time in the government, are regretting how disastrous it has been. From 95 ranking we've gone on to 130, and I think it's been one controversy after the other, so, unfortunately, that's happened and now we are hearing that our national coach who's just been put in for the last 3 months is planning to resign after certain matches, which is very, very unfortunate."
"So I think we need to get the right people. There are a lot of sportspeople who are great who can help. And I strongly feel a lot of our iconic sportspersons have to speak out for the benefit of the sports," said Bhutia.
