Indian Football's Dark State

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-06-11 16:56:17 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-09 23:35:37

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Indian football is in disarray, and the national team is threatening to crash out of the Asian Cup with zero wins. With no proper system in sight and chaotic handling at the administrative level, the future of Indian football looks daunting unless systemic changes are made soon.

India's national football team is in limbo. After a shocking defeat to Palestine and a fortunate tie with Syria, the Blue Tigers now face the daunting task of having to beat Group B leaders Hong Kong in their final match to have any chance of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

And the situation is just as murky off the field, with Bhutia demanding systemic change and transparency from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

"It's a shame that we, as players, are being offered money to win matches. It shows the lack of vision and planning by the federation to build and sustain a competitive national team," Bhutia, India's legendary footballer, has drawn the ire of his critics, including AIFF officials.

The AIFF is reportedly offering USD 50,000 in bonus money to the players if they win against Hong Kong. However, critics say that merely offering cash incentives to win matches is a sorry state of affairs for a sport that is loved by millions of Indians.

Instead, Bhutia calls for a long-term strategy that nurtures talent, builds a proper league structure, and creates a sustainable pathway for success. "We need clarity. We need a vision," he says.

The lack of basic infrastructure, a fragmented league, and inadequate professionalism at the grassroots level need urgent attention.

"We need to make football a priority sport in this country. Only when we see systematic change, can we dream of being a footballing nation," Bhutia added.

Indeed, India's ambitions of becoming a global football powerhouse threaten to remain just a dream unless sweeping reforms are introduced to the game.

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