Legendary Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia has taken a significant step by resigning from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) technical committee. His decision comes in response to what he perceives as a bypassing of the committee’s role in appointing the new national men’s team head coach.
Bhaichung Bhutia’s stance on valuing the executive committee’s role
Bhutia, who was the chairman of the AIFF technical committee from 2013 to 2017, asserts that the technical committee typically recommends the head coach of the national team. In the past, this process involved shortlisting candidates and recommending the most suitable person for the role. However, this time, there was no technical committee meeting to appoint a successor to the outgoing coach, Igor Stimac.
Stimac was dismissed after India failed to qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Bhutia highlights that the usual protocol was not followed. Instead, a special committee, led by AIFF vice president N.A. Harris was responsible for finding a new head coach. The executive committee’s decision to appoint Spaniard Manolo Marquez, currently in charge of Indian Super League side FC Goa, raised concerns for Bhutia.
Bhutia expressed his frustration during the executive committee meeting, emphasizing that if the technical committee was not involved, its value would be diminished. Consequently, he announced his resignation from the technical committee membership.
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Bhaichung Bhutia resigns from AIFF technical committee because the appointment of Manolo Marquez as India coach was made without consulting the committee. @IndianFootball #ManoloMarquez #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/3qcRKNVARd
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 20, 2024
“I have served as the chairman of the AIFF technical committee in the past and have been involved in appointing coaches like Stephen Constantine. This time, however, the committee was entirely excluded from the process,” said Bhutia.
Bhutia added, “If you are going to bypass the technical committee in the head coach appointment, why are we here?
Bhaichung Bhutia’s principled stand underscores the importance of transparency and due process in crucial appointments within Indian football. As the sport continues to evolve, Bhutia’s legacy as a player and now as an advocate for fair procedures remains significant.
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