All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey.
| Photo Credit: ANI

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will be organising two charity football matches to raise funds for relief work in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, which have been devastated by natural disasters.

The AIFF is trying to schedule its first benefit match in Manjeri in Malappuram district of Kerala on August 30, 2024 between Kolkata outfit Mohammedan Sporting Club and a Super League Kerala XI.

The AIFF has proposed September 2, 2024 as the date for the second charity match in Lucknow. However, further details are still being chalked out by the governing body with the prospective clubs.

“I’m happy that one of India’s oldest clubs, Mohammedan Sporting immediately agreed to our proposal for the cause of humanity. We are also in advance conversation with two clubs for the Lucknow match,” said AIFF President, Kalyan Chaubey in a release.

“Sports is a powerful medium to offer comfort and heal humanity after such tragedies. We often celebrate cups won by clubs; let’s now come together to raise the cup of solidarity,” the AIFF president said.

The two states have been facing devastating natural disasters, with massive landslides in parts of Wayanad, Kerala on July 30, leaving behind a trail of death and destruction.

In Himachal Pradesh too, landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rain during the past week have killed more than 100 people and affected lives at multiple locations.

Kalyan Chaubey, President of the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF). File
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey said the new head coach of the Indian national team would be picked based on their ability to bring in results and develop the game in the country.

The AIFF Executive Committee is due to meet soon to decide the successor of Igor Stimac, who resigned as head coach after India lost nine matches and drew two in his last 12 games in charge.

“I believe the result matters a lot. We will be looking for someone who can develop Indian football. And whoever gets appointed as chief coach, we want him to add a lot of potential to the national team’s performance,” Chaubey told PTI videos in an interview.

The incoming head coach will have some important assignments such as a tri-nation tournament in October that also involves hosts Vietnam and Lebanon.

‘The aim is to win’

Chaubey hoped the new coach can bring in some desired results from these events. “We are looking to utilise all the FIFA windows which we have in the month of September, October, November and March next year,” he said.

These tournaments, Chaubey said, will give Indian players more international exposure.

“No matter whether we play against a lower-ranked team or higher-ranked team, the aim is to win. It will also create more match time for players. Yes, these matches will also give more international exposure to the players,” he added.

Chaubey said there was an overwhelming response to the advertised position of the head coach of the Indian men’s football team.

“We have received a total of 291 applications and we have shortlisted 17 names from them. There are Indian and foreign names. We will have a detailed discussion about them in the Executive Committee meeting,” he noted.

Chaubey said former Indian captain I.M. Vijayan, who is now the head of the technical committee, will also be consulted. “We are in touch with the technical committee. As Vijayan is overseas now, he will be consulted through a virtual meeting,” he said.

Who is after Sunil Chhetri?

Chaubey said players like Lallianzuala Chhangte have the potential to step in for former skipper Sunil Chhetri, who recently retired from international football.

Chhangte was adjudged the Best Men’s Player during the AIFF awards on Friday.

“Who is after Sunil Chhetri? This question comes to everybody’s mind. I think Chhangte, who has won the Player of the Year award this year, has a lot of potential. He can definitely make a long career. Such awards will inspire a player to put in an even bigger effort,” he said.