Bhaichung Bhutia hits out at current AIFF regime as India's ranking fall continues

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.