The football-fanatic city of Kolkata, known as the Mecca of Indian football, has split into two clear quarters over FIFA’s suspension of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Quite expectedly, the decision has caused consternation among the city’s football fans, while former players see a flicker of hope in the darkness as they envisage the suspension as a chance to restructure and bring clarity to the country’s football administration.
Bhaichung Bhutia, former player
The suspension is unfortunate. It is a harsh decision taken by FIFA. However, I think it’s a golden opportunity to get our system right. Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together to work for the betterment of Indian football.
Aloke Mukherjee, former player
It is a sad day for Indian football. But I think we can use this opportunity to bring clarity to the Indian football administration. Many players with a lot of international experience — some played 80–90 matches — under their belt do not find a place in AIFF, while some with almost no experience are in important roles. There should be clarity on who is heading Indian football and why.
In fact, FIFA has been warning India for a long time for its administrative misfirings. I don’t know what they have been doing and why the election has been delayed for so long. Now AIFF has been suspended and Indian football will suffer with every passing moment. Indian club football will also suffer because foreign players would be able to play here.
Mum’s the word for current players
None of the present Indian players agreed to speak on the matter.
A player of the Under-17 women’s national team told My Kolkata that they had been told not to speak about the suspension. “I am sure the authorities would take steps and resolve the situation. I still hope we would be able to play the upcoming World Cup,” she said, unwilling to be named.
Outraged fans
Avishek Roy, a real estate professional, is all set to visit Qatar this year on November 19 to experience the FIFA Football World Cup 2022. He would watch six matches before coming back to Kolkata on November 29. “If this situation remains the same and the Under-17 Women’s world cup doesn’t take place in India, it’s going to be truly embarrassing for us in Qatar. After saving money for this for years and taking all the preparation, it would be foolish not to go there.”
Viv Sarkar, a government employee and football enthusiast from Kolkata, runs a football fan page on Facebook. He said this decision would push Indian football back about a decade. “The suspension means that India would not be able to participate in any international tournament. There are two major tournaments ahead — Under-17 World Cup and Asia Cup. This is a real setback.”