AIFF members block proposal to tap FD for Rs 80-85 crore shortfall from friendlies

All India Football Federation president Kalyan Chaubey proposed on Sunday at a Special General Body Meeting to liquidate the federation's fixed deposit to meet a potential Rs 80-85 crore deficit arising from hosting international friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama, but members opposed the move and blocked the plan. AIFF Vice President NA Haris intervened during the online meeting, noting the Executive Committee had already decided against tapping the FD.

The proposal followed concerns inside the federation about the cost of the three high-profile friendlies. Several members said the fixed deposit should not be used except in an emergency, and Chaubey told attendees he wanted to withdraw money from the FD to clear the shortfall before offering to arrange external funds and repay any amount taken. The exact size of the deficit was not disclosed to general body members, according to officials at the meeting.

"Yes, he (Chaubey) said he wants to liquidate the AIFF's fixed deposit to pay the deficit (arising out of the international friendlies)," a senior official of a state association, who attended the meeting, told PTI on condition of anonymity. "Later, he (Chaubey) also said that he would arrange funds from outside sources and then pay back whatever amount is to be withdrawn from the FD," the official added.

Another AIFF Executive Committee member confirmed Chaubey had proposed withdrawing money from the federation's fixed deposit and said almost all members at the SGBM objected to the suggestion. Former AIFF president Praful Patel raised concerns, reminding Chaubey that at the previous SGBM the president had said funds to host the friendlies would be arranged externally and asking Chaubey to clarify when and how much the federation would have to pay its creditors.

Haris proposed that a group of General Body members be invited to discuss the issue in detail, and it was decided he would hold a meeting with some members before the matter is placed before the Executive Committee again for a decision on whether the fixed deposit could be liquidated. Members at the meeting also questioned how the federation would continue to finance domestic championships, football development programmes and competitions such as the Santosh Trophy while addressing the losses from the international friendlies.

When contacted by PTI, Chaubey declined to comment on the meeting, saying: "No, I am not giving my version. It was an internal meeting and what is there to tell outside (people)." Haris will convene the group meeting before the Executive Committee makes a further decision on the proposed withdrawal from the FD.