AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey accused of harassment by women’s committee chief Valanka Alemao

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been drawn into a fresh controversy after its president Kalyan Chaubey was accused of harassment by Valanka Alemao, head of the federation’s Women’s Committee.

In a formal letter addressed to members of the Executive Committee, Alemao alleged that she was “heckled and harassed” during a meeting held at the Football House in New Delhi on March 29. The claims have renewed scrutiny over governance practices within Indian football.

Detailing the incident, Alemao accused Chaubey, along with Vice President NA Haris and Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan, of displaying “disgusting behaviour” during the meeting. She alleged that attempts were made to suppress her voice and that she was repeatedly targeted.

“The President made remarks that were unnecessary and disrespectful. He, along with the DSG, repeatedly raised his tone beyond acceptable levels to intimidate me,” she said in the letter, adding that she felt “deeply prejudiced” by the conduct of senior officials.

The confrontation comes amid ongoing disagreements within the AIFF over administrative functioning, particularly in relation to the Indian women’s team.

Alemao had recently flagged what she described as a “series of blunders” during India’s Women’s Asian Cup campaign in Australia, raising concerns over team management, logistics and decision-making.

She had also questioned the lack of consultation with key bodies, including the Executive Committee and the Women’s Committee, on important decisions.

Her latest allegations point to a widening rift within the federation, with concerns being raised about centralised decision-making and transparency at the top level.

Valanka Alemao is a prominent figure in Indian football administration. Apart from heading the AIFF Women’s Committee, she serves as CEO of Churchill Brothers FC Goa and is a member of FIFA’s Women’s Football Development Committee for the 2025–2029 cycle.

The incident has once again brought the spotlight on governance standards in Indian football, a sector that continues to grapple with administrative challenges.