In the recently concluded Intercontinental Cup, a three-nation tournament hosted by India, the national team suffered a devastating 0-3 loss against Syria and could only manage a goalless draw with Mauritius.Bhutia believes that these disappointing results are a direct consequence of the AIFF’s failure to establish a clear roadmap for the development of Indian football.
The former India captain has called for a complete overhaul of the AIFF administration, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership and a strategic approach to revive the fortunes of the national team. Bhutia’s scathing remarks highlight the growing discontent among football enthusiasts and experts regarding the current state of the sport in India.
“I think it’s not a great sign, we have been on the decline for quite some time now. From being ranked in the top 100 to going down at 125. I think football needs a new governing body and election and a fresh start.
“Otherwise, I think it’s only going down,” Bhutia told PTI Videos in an exclusive interview on Friday.
“I think there has to be really serious discussion, thorough debate that has to be done for taking the game forward. I think that our constitution has to be reformed, the case is still in the Supreme Court.
“I hope the Supreme Court gives a verdict as soon as possible. The federation has to have a new constitution and a new body, a new election has to happen,” the football legend added.
India’s lackluster showing in the Intercontinental Cup came on the heels of their inability to progress to the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, even though they had been given a comparatively favorable draw. This series of setbacks ultimately resulted in the dismissal of Igor Stimac, the team’s former head coach.
Bhutia further said, “Overall it’s time that the federation focuses on how to take Indian football forward. You cannot just have Vision 2046 on paper and not implement things. It is important now that the federation stops doing NGO kind of work,” Bhaichung observed.
“In the last two years the amount of controversies, and allegations happening is so negative for the sport.
“I was in an Executive Committee meeting and it was unfortunate to see how we were talking more about how the Bastar region became engulfed in terrorism and nothing about football.
“It’s great you do a social thing but the federation’s primary job is not about doing social things only, it’s about performance, getting results from the national team and junior team. So I think it’s important we focus there,” he pointed out.
Following the dismissal of Stimac, Manolo Márquez was named the head coach of the Indian men’s national team by the AIFF. Márquez concurrently serves as the manager of FC Goa, a club participating in the Indian Super League (ISL).
“I am not looking at it, I think in India we need a good set of people coming in, who have a good vision for the game because that is what we require right now.
“I quit my politics, in terms of electorate politics, but I am always there to support football. Fight for the presidency is not the main thing.
“I think it’s time to take the game forward and I think we have good talent at the grassroots, but things are not working out well,” Bhutia concluded.
