All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced it has sacked Shaji Prabhakaran on Wednesday due to a breach of trust.
“The All India Football Federation hereby announces that the services of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran have been terminated due to breach of trust with immediate effect as of November 7, 2023,” AIFF has quoted in its press release.
“The AIFF Deputy Secretary, Mr M Satyanarayan, will take charge as Acting Secretary General of AIFF with immediate effect,” it was further quoted.
AIFF vice-president NA Haris told PTI that even the AIFF executive committee members were not happy with the way Prabhakaran worked.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced it has sacked Shaji Prabhakaran on Wednesday due to a breach of trust.
“The All India Football Federation hereby announces that the services of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran have been terminated due to breach of trust with immediate effect as of November 7, 2023,” AIFF has quoted in its press release.
“The AIFF Deputy Secretary, Mr M Satyanarayan, will take charge as Acting Secretary General of AIFF with immediate effect,” it was further quoted.
AIFF vice-president NA Haris told PTI that even the AIFF executive committee members were not happy with the way Prabhakaran worked.
In a recent post on X, Prabhakaran had hinted at the fact that all was not well within the inner workings of the Indian Football Governing body.
“We have to remain true to our game and when we have the position of power and influence then our responsibility is far higher to do our work with sincerity and dedication without any personal interests,” he had written on his X page.
“Never allow personal interests to dominate the mind and decisions. Let’s focus on our mission to transform football and make India proud. There can’t be a bigger satisfaction in life than to see India shining on the pitch on a bigger stage,” he wrote.
Prabhakaran was appointed in the role in September 2022. During his tenure, the Indian men’s football team broke into the top 100 for the first time in five years.
Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia, and current AIFF executive committee member also shared his opinion on the matter.
“I am not surprised because there has been complete mismanagement in AIFF.” Bhutia said on Wednesday referring to Prabhakaran’s removal. “The way India’s campaign in Asian Games was mishandled, the decision to not bid for the 2027 Asian Cup (since awarded to Saudi Arabia) are but two examples. Away from home, the men’s and women’s team too have been losing. The president, treasurer and the vice-president too should go,” Bhutia said.
“Based on the new constitution, we need fresh elections to bring football back on track,” said Bhutia who lost 1-33 to Kalyan Chaubey in the conctest to be AIFF president last year..
Bhutia’s wish is unlikely to be fulfilled this year. The constitution has been framed by former Supreme Court justice L Nageswara Rao. As per the Supreme Court’s directive, objections have been listed and the matter will have to be heard before it is ratified.
