Bhaichung Bhutia Criticises Handling of Federation Affairs, Cites Delay Impact on Super Cup Scheduling

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has criticised the handling of administrative matters within the national football federation, linking delays in decision-making to the scheduling of the Super Cup ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL).

Bhutia referred to the period when the Supreme Court appointed an ad hoc committee to oversee the federation during preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. He said the federation should have sought immediate clarity from the Court on whether it could continue in its existing form or if a new body was to be constituted.

According to Bhutia, the lack of timely resolution in this matter led to a three-year delay, coinciding with the expiry of the federation’s media rights agreement. He noted that this overlap in timing could have been addressed more effectively, potentially avoiding disruption to domestic tournament scheduling.

The Super Cup, traditionally held after the ISL, is seen as a key domestic competition in Indian football. This year’s pre-ISL scheduling has sparked debate within the football community about its impact on player readiness and competition structure.