‘Bhutia should stand for Indian football’s top job’
EX-CAPTAIN AS FEDERATION PRESIDENT WOULD BE GOOD MOVE, SAY PLAYERS
WITH half of the electoral college for the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) upcoming elections of made up of former players, some ex-India international stars believe that Bhaichung Bhutia should contest for the post of president.
The Supreme Court, after a hearing last Wednesday (7), had approved the timeline by the Committee of Administrators (CoA), which is currently running the sport in the country, to hold elections on August 28. The poll process is set to start on Saturday (13).
The top court ruled that the electoral college for the executive committee of the AIFF would include representatives from 36 state associations and 36 representatives of eminent football players – 24 male and 12 female.
The players should have played at least one international match for India and retired from international tournaments two years prior to the date of notification of the elections, the court ordered.
Former India captain Bruno Coutinho said it would be a good thing for the country’s football fraternity if Bhutia were to be a candidate for the post of AIFF president.
“If a player of the status of Bhaichung is nominated for the post of president of the AIFF, it will be a good thing for the footballers in the country,” Coutinho said. “It is up to Bhaichung if he wants to fight elections for the president’s post, but it is my view that if a former player like Bhaichung becomes president of AIFF, it will be good for the sport in the country and for the players.”
Former India midfielder Renedy Singh echoed Coutinho’s views.
“Giving a big representation of the former players is a welcome decision, and I feel the former players will back Bhaichung to stand for the president’s post. It will be a good move for the interests of the players and for football in the country.
Known as the ‘Sikkimese Sniper’ for his goal-scoring prowess, former captain Bhutia, 45, is considered one of the country’s greatest footballers. The charismatic striker was the first Indian footballer to have played more than 100 matches for India.
He retired from international football a few months after playing in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar, having made his debut in 1995.
Bhutia took the field for several top Indian clubs including JCT, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan during his illustrious career, besides also spending a few seasons at English side FC Bury (1999 to 2002).