The All India Football Federation has been heavily criticized by Bhaichung Bhutia, the famed footballer and former captain of the national team, following a major setback to India's plans for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup on Tuesday. Following the shocking 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Bhutia blamed the AIFF for the state of Indian football today.

Hong Kong defeated India, who is currently at the bottom of Group C with just one point in two games, thanks to the penalty that Stefan Pereira converted in stoppage time. Singapore leads the standings with four points, followed by Hong Kong in second and Bangladesh in third.

"It's really heartbreaking to see... we are undoubtedly having trouble now even qualifying for the Asia Cup, which we have been qualifying for on a regular basis," Bhutia told PTI.

“We are still battling for the Asia Cup, while nations such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Jordan have made it to the World Cup. Too bad.

In addition, Bhutia publicly demanded that AIFF head Kalyan Chaubey step down. In the AIFF presidential election of September 2022, Chaubey defeated him. He stated, "Kalyan Chaubey has ruined Indian football." Chaubey must give his resignation and depart. He has utterly ruined it. Two and a half years, three General Secretaries—the entire system and structure will have to be altered.

"Controversy after controversy, corruption charge... we still don't know who the I-League winner is even after months."

He also raised concerns about the choice to bring Sunil Chhetri back from international retirement. He said, "It was nice of him to come out of retirement, but it was a completely bad decision." The Federation, we now hear, pushed for it, whereas Manolo shouldn't have asked for it. However, what has changed?

"Things are quiet at the grassroots level. All of the off-field news is unfavorable, and that shows in the national team's play.

"You're paying ₹42 lakh for one game. Why not link it to qualification? It simply demonstrates how ignorant the management is," he continued.

Subrata Bhattacharya, Chhetri's father-in-law and a former renowned player and coach, also commented on Chhetri's comeback to the squad. "It's his personal decision," he stated, "but if it was done to serve someone else's personal interest, it's wrong."

India will travel to Singapore and Bangladesh for its final away games during the four-game qualification campaign. In the meantime, they will also play two home games against Singapore and Hong Kong.

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