Bhaichung Bhutia Slams AIFF Over $50,000 Bonus Offer After India’s Loss to Hong Kong in Asian Cup Qualifiers.jpg)
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In the wake of India’s demoralising 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, legendary former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has publicly criticised the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for its reported decision to offer players a USD 50,000 bonus had they won the match. The offer, described by Bhutia as “random and ad-hoc,” comes amid growing concerns about mismanagement and lack of long-term planning within Indian football.
Late Penalty Crushes India’s Qualification Hopes
The match against Hong Kong, played at a packed neutral venue, ended in heartbreak for Indian fans as the team conceded a stoppage-time penalty, effectively ending their realistic chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
Earlier, India had only managed a goalless draw against Bangladesh, making a win against Hong Kong critical for qualification hopes. The latest defeat compounds India’s struggles on the international stage, following a year-long winless streak and a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign.
Bhutia: “Step Down to Save Indian Football”
Speaking to IANS in an exclusive interview, Bhaichung Bhutia did not hold back, directly calling on AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey to resign.
“It’s been a terrible two and a half to three years under Kalyan Chaubey’s leadership. On-field performances have been poor, and off-field management has been chaotic, riddled with controversies. It’s time for him to step down—for the sake of Indian football,” Bhutia said.
He questioned the rationale behind the $50,000 incentive, especially when basic allowances for players remain unpaid.
“We’ve seen reports that players haven’t even received their daily allowance of ₹2,500. These footballers don’t have central contracts like cricketers. They depend on such allowances for their livelihoods,” Bhutia added.
“Suddenly announcing a $50,000 reward if they had won—where did that even come from? Would the same offer be made for upcoming matches? There’s no system in place, no foresight. It reeks of panic decisions,” he said.
A Rapid Fall From Promise
India’s FIFA ranking of 99 in July 2023 marked a high point in recent football history, accompanied by triumphs in the Intercontinental Cup, Tri-Nation Tournament, and SAFF Championship. However, those gains have since evaporated:
- India went winless throughout 2024.
- Former coach Igor Stimac was removed amid controversy.
- The team failed to progress in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- Sunil Chhetri’s brief return from retirement to beat the Maldives 3-0 was India’s only win in 489 days.
These struggles highlight what Bhutia calls a "complete collapse in leadership and planning."
Lack of Structure: A Long-Standing Issue
The AIFF’s lack of structural reforms, especially regarding player welfare, has long been criticised. Bhutia emphasized that unlike cricket, Indian football lacks:
- Central contracts
- Stability in coaching
- Consistent youth development
- Financial transparency
Bhutia, who has been vocal about systemic issues in the past, said,
“You can’t run national football on guesswork and token gestures. This isn’t the IPL. It needs a strategy—one built over years, not days before a do-or-die match.”
The Bigger Picture: Missed Opportunities and Rising Rivals
India now faces the serious threat of missing out on the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, a tournament they’ve consistently participated in since 2011. While other Asian nations like Uzbekistan are rising rapidly and even qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, India appears to be regressing.
“We’re not just losing games. We’re losing time, talent, and trust. The global football ecosystem is moving forward, and we’re stuck in reverse,” Bhutia observed.
Reader Takeaway: Why This Matters
- Football is India's second-most-followed sport, with a huge youth base.
- Mismanagement at the top discourages grassroots talent and sponsors.
- Inconsistent policies, such as the last-minute bonus offer, signal a lack of planning and trust in players.
- Calls for leadership change from icons like Bhutia show deep discontent in the footballing fraternity.
The Path Forward: What Needs to Change
Bhutia has repeatedly advocated for:
- Professionalism within the AIFF
- Clear financial accountability
- Player-first policies
- Long-term youth development
- Hiring technical experts in key positions
“We have the talent, but without vision and leadership, it will remain untapped,” he concluded.
A Defining Moment for Indian Football
India’s defeat to Hong Kong is not just a lost game—it’s a wake-up call. The uproar around the $50,000 bonus controversy and Bhutia’s direct attack on the federation’s leadership has amplified growing concerns about the direction of Indian football.
With the AFC Asian Cup 2027 slipping away and national morale low, the AIFF must decide whether to continue on its current path or enact meaningful reforms.
As fans and former players demand answers, one thing is clear: Indian football can’t afford more years of uncertainty.