Football: AFC asked for evidence from Bhattacharjee, had accused AIFF President Kalyan Choubey of corruption

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has asked All India Football Federation (AIFF)’s ousted chief legal advisor Nilanjan Bhattacharjee to submit evidence of corruption allegations leveled against national federation chief Kalyan Choubey. AIFF President Choubey had sent a legal notice to Bhattacharjee in this regard on March 6.

Asked to submit report by March 18
Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had alleged that Choubey did not maintain transparency in the tender processes and tried to ‘extort money from the federation’ for personal expenses. Taking cognizance of the matter, AFC asked Bhattacharjee to submit a full written report by March 18.

AFC’s Lisat wrote a letter to Bhattacharjee
Barry Lissat, deputy secretary of the AFC Discipline and Ethics Committee, said in a letter addressed to Bhattacharjee on Tuesday: ‘We are writing to you in the context of the attached media reports which show that you have requested the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Corruption allegations have been made against Kalyan Choubey. He said, ‘In view of the seriousness of this matter, we urge you to submit a full written report to the AFC by March 18, 2024, explaining your position in the matter.’

Lisat reprimanded for making allegations without evidence
“Such report shall include (without limitation) a full description of the allegations, evidence to corroborate such allegations, the steps taken by you in response to the allegations against AIFF (or any other body/individual) and Any other relevant information or documents related to this should be included.

Choubey had called Bhattacharjee’s allegations baseless.
Choubey termed these allegations as baseless and accused Bhattacharjee of tarnishing his image. Meanwhile, Bhattacharjee expressed happiness over AFC’s letter and said that he will submit his reply within the stipulated time. Bhattacharjee told PTI, ‘I am happy because at least the AFC took cognizance of my allegations whereas, barring a few people within the AIFF, others thought it best to remain silent. This could be the beginning. I will hand over all the evidence I have to the AFC within the stipulated time.

Bhutia also asked for resignation from Choubey
Former captain Baichung Bhutia also reacted to the matter and asked Choubey to resign. Bhutia said, ‘Many negative things are being said about the AIFF administration. The AFC has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations against Kalyan and may want to initiate an investigation. This could cause serious damage to the reputation of Indian football. He said, ‘Nothing good is going on in the AIFF administration. Kalyan should take responsibility for this and resign and fresh elections should be held.