India Football: Kushal Das responds to government slashing funding for AIFF

The government of India recently decided to slash the funding of the All India Football Federation citing what has been understood as the "poor performance" of the Indian national team, with the cut being almost 85 percent over the last four years.

The AIFF officials had reportedly asked for funding at least three times the sanctioned budget, though the sports ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) were not convinced by their argument as they believe that the federations developmental work has left a lot to be desired, highlighting the inability of age-group teams to make their presence felt at continental level and a women’s football programme that ‘lacked structure’

This decision by the government did not go down well with AIFF general secretary, Kushal Das who argued that it is 'strange' to limit its help for a 'highly competitive sport'.

"I think it is unfair especially in a year where India is preparing for qualification to the Asian Cup and preparing for U-17 Women's World Cup. The sports ministry's (MYAS) analysis of bad performance is incorrect. If you compare the average year end FIFA rankings from 2010 to 2015 with 2016 to 2021 you will get the answer," Das told News9.

"The average ranking from 2010-15 was 160 with a worst of 171 and the average ranking from 2016 to 2021 is 108. A clear jump of 50 ranks in six years. Indian clubs are now playing in the highest club competition in Asia, the AFC Champions League and in its latest edition Mumbai City FC came second in their group (with seven points from six games). If that is not progress, I don't know what is.

"It is completely illogical to compare a highly competitive sport played by 209 countries with other sports. The popularity of football across the world cannot be compared with any other sport. Instead of giving more support to make India a more powerful footballing country, it is strange the government is reducing support," he added.

With limited money to spend, the AIFF have reportedly asked for Jharkhand and Odisha state government's assistance to host camps in Jamshedpur and Bhubaneshwar for the junior colts - rather than hold camps abroad.

The AIFF is also understood to taking private assistance to help in the preparations for the men's senior team, with the Blue Tigers currently undergoing a preparatory camp at Bellary, which is a major change from the 10-day camp they held in the UAE prior to India's two friendlies against Oman on March 25, 2021, and the UAE on March 29, 2021.

Despite the recent cuts in their funding, Das has reiterated that it will not affect their ongoing plans of hosting two big upcoming events.

"Yes, after June (the AIFF plans on approaching the government seeking a review of the amount). Fortunately, the AIFF is in a position to carry on with the preparations of the Asian Cup qualifiers and the U-17 World Cup. The Government has also assured that they will review the situation in a few months. If India qualifies for the Asian Cup in June, the thinking will change," Das concluded.