Who says ex-footballers cannot be good administrators: Bhaichung Bhutiya files candidature for AIFF presidency

Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutiya filed his nomination for the post of All India Football Federation president as the national body is set to hold fresh elections under FIFA orders. The world body suspended the AIFF over third party interference that saw the hosting rights for the Women’s U17 World Cup getting taken away from the country.

After filing out his paperwork, the former Indian captain and one of the most prolific players to have taken the pitch for India said that this should be looked as an opportunity for the former players to come together and work for the betterment of the country’s sport.

“This is an opportunity for footballers to contribute to the development of football in India. The system has been difficult for footballers to get into administration,” he said.

The former player further stated that the system has been very difficult for former footballers and one should welcome the Supreme Court verdict.

“Everybody says that former footballers cannot be good administrators. This is a time for ex-footballers to show that we can be good administrators as well and work for better development of the game,” he said.

Bhutiya sounded irked about the lack of footballers in the football administration and said that he hated the fact that not many ex-players are a part of the top state associations.

“AIFF is made up of state administration associations. How many former footballers are in top state associations?” he further added.

“There is a notion that footballers can’t be good administrators. First give them the chance and see how they perform. Only then can we come to any kind of a theory. I feel this is a great opportunity or ex-footballers to contribute for the development of the game,” Bhutiya concluded.

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