In a strongly worded communication directed to All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey, Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, expressed reservations regarding the approval process for the audited accounts of the preceding financial year.
Fernandes stressed the importance of discussing crucial financial matters during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) before obtaining approval. Expressing profound concern over the prolonged delay in convening the AIFF AGM since December 2023, Fernandes, accompanied by elected executive committee members of the Goa FA, highlighted the perception that the AIFF has neglected fundamental statutory responsibilities.
The communication, queried the approval of audited accounts without their presentation at the AGM, deeming it an instance of incompetence that necessitates clarification. Fernandes implored other member associations not to disregard essential statutory obligations, advocating for a collective commitment to holding the AGM. The letter also suggested including the disappointing performance of the Indian men’s senior national team at the Asian Cup 2023 in the agenda of the AGM.
However, the challenges confronting the AIFF extended beyond the deferred AGM. Gopalakrishna Kosaraju, former president of the Andhra Pradesh Football Association, levelled severe allegations against Chaubey and Treasurer Ajay Kipa, asserting the misuse of federation funds for personal purposes, including extravagant expenditures like spa visits, fuel expenses, and hotel bills.
Supported by the attached bills, including one for a spa visit amounting to Rs 4130, Kosaraju disclosed the officials’ unprecedented use of AIFF credit cards for personal expenses during official travel. In a startling revelation, Kosaraju accused federation officials of utilizing the credit card for personal acquisitions, such as Chaubey’s alleged procurement of indulgent footwear, potentially impacting the standing of AIFF’s current leadership.
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