AIFF's Brazil, Uruguay friendlies leave Rs 85 crore hole? Members oppose FD withdrawal

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) proposal to liquidate its fixed deposit to meet the financial deficit incurred while hosting international friendly matches against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama was opposed by members at a Special General Body Meeting (SGBM) on Sunday, officials who attended the meeting said.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey reportedly proposed withdrawing money from the federation's fixed deposit to cover the expenses. The move, however, faced resistance from several members, who maintained that the FD should remain untouched except in emergencies.

The proposal also appeared to contradict Chaubey's earlier reported assurance that the federation would not have to bear any financial burden from hosting the three high-profile friendlies.

"Yes, he (Chaubey) said he wants to liquidate the AIFF's fixed deposit to pay the deficit (arising out of the international friendlies)," a senior official of a state association told PTI on condition of anonymity.

"Later, he (Chaubey) also said that he would arrange funds from outside sources and then pay back whatever amount is to be withdrawn from the FD," the official added.

The official said Chaubey did not disclose the exact deficit, citing a confidentiality clause in the agreement covering the financial arrangements.

AIFF vice-president NA Haris intervened during the discussion, pointing out that the federation's Executive Committee had already decided against liquidating the fixed deposit.

"There is a decision of the Executive Committee of the AIFF that the FD cannot be liquidated," the official quoted Haris as saying.

Other members also opposed the proposal, stressing that the federation's fixed deposit was meant to be used only in emergencies.

When contacted by PTI, Chaubey declined to comment on the matter.

"No, I am not giving my version. It was an internal meeting and what is there to tell outside (people)," he said.

The three international friendlies are estimated to have cost between Rs 80 crore and Rs 85 crore.

Another AIFF Executive Committee member who attended the meeting confirmed that Chaubey had proposed withdrawing money from the federation's fixed deposit.

"Almost all the members who attended the online meeting objected to Chaubey's proposal to withdraw from the AIFF FD," the official said.

Former AIFF president Praful Patel also questioned the proposal, recalling that Chaubey had assured members at the previous SGBM that funds for hosting the international matches would be arranged through external sources.

"Praful Patel asked Chaubey to let all the members know when and how much money the AIFF will have to pay to the creditors," the state association official said, recounting the discussion.

Following the objections, it was decided that Haris would invite some General Body members for further discussions on the issue. The matter would subsequently be placed before the Executive Committee again to decide whether the fixed deposit could be liquidated to settle the federation's dues.

A member also raised concerns about the AIFF's ability to finance and organise its regular football activities, including championships, development programmes and the Santosh Trophy, amid the mounting financial losses