NEW DELHI: Indian football’s decline is no longer a blip; it’s a nosedive. And now, in a strongly-worded letter addressed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Goa Football Association (GFA) president Dr. Caitano Jose Fernandes has laid the blame squarely on the AIFF's doorstep.
The formal complaint targets Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayana, accusing him of administrative failure, political interference, and contributing to the national team’s slide into irrelevance.
“I write to formally bring to your notice the concerning performance and deteriorating results of the Indian National team that has left us in a precarious position on the road to qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup,” wrote Fernandes.
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“There have been reports that the preparations for the National team were not ideal and much of the blame has to be put on the administration headed by the Deputy Secretary General Mr. M Satyanarayana, whose handling of crucial matters has severely damaged Indian football since he assumed his role at the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in August 2023."
The letter cites several allegations: mismanagement, a breakdown in governance, interference in technical matters, and even unconstitutional moves such as halting I-League relegation without proper authorisation.
Fernandes warned of “a toxic culture of political manipulation” that has hollowed Indian football from within.
This institutional mess coincides with India’s collapse on the pitch.
The senior men’s national team suffered a disastrous 0-1 loss to lower-ranked Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier just a fortnight ago.
The result pushed India to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings, just two spots off their worst in a decade.
In the Asian Football Confederation zone, India now rank 24th out of 46, behind the likes of Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Vietnam.
The manner of the defeat only added salt to the wound.
After creating a few promising chances in the first half, India conceded deep into injury time.
A rash challenge by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith on Hong Kong’s Michael Udebuluzor led to a penalty, which Stefan Pereira calmly converted in the 94th minute.
India’s finishing woes were again on display as Ashique Kuruniyan missed from close range, and even the returning Sunil Chhetri failed to connect cleanly from six yards out. On that, scoring just five goals in two years highlights how significantly the Indian forwards have declined over time.
40-year-old Chhetri’s comeback from retirement had sparked brief hope, but the veteran’s presence alone hasn’t been enough to lift the team that has won just one of their last 16 games across competitions.
Off the field, uncertainty continues to cloud the national setup.
Former head coach Igor Stimac’s messy exit last year was followed by the appointment of Manolo Marquez, who has since juggled dual responsibilities as India coach and FC Goa manager.
Video
Once considered an emerging footballing nation, having reached a FIFA ranking of 96 in 2018 and competing closely with sides like Jordan, India now face a grim reality check.
The same Jordan side, which India narrowly lost to in 2018, has since reached the final of the AFC Asian Cup and qualified for the 2026 World Cup. India, meanwhile, are struggling to get the ball into the back of the net.
The formal complaint targets Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayana, accusing him of administrative failure, political interference, and contributing to the national team’s slide into irrelevance.
“I write to formally bring to your notice the concerning performance and deteriorating results of the Indian National team that has left us in a precarious position on the road to qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup,” wrote Fernandes.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
“There have been reports that the preparations for the National team were not ideal and much of the blame has to be put on the administration headed by the Deputy Secretary General Mr. M Satyanarayana, whose handling of crucial matters has severely damaged Indian football since he assumed his role at the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in August 2023."
The letter cites several allegations: mismanagement, a breakdown in governance, interference in technical matters, and even unconstitutional moves such as halting I-League relegation without proper authorisation.
Fernandes warned of “a toxic culture of political manipulation” that has hollowed Indian football from within.
This institutional mess coincides with India’s collapse on the pitch.
The senior men’s national team suffered a disastrous 0-1 loss to lower-ranked Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier just a fortnight ago.
The result pushed India to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings, just two spots off their worst in a decade.
In the Asian Football Confederation zone, India now rank 24th out of 46, behind the likes of Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and Vietnam.
The manner of the defeat only added salt to the wound.
After creating a few promising chances in the first half, India conceded deep into injury time.
A rash challenge by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith on Hong Kong’s Michael Udebuluzor led to a penalty, which Stefan Pereira calmly converted in the 94th minute.
India’s finishing woes were again on display as Ashique Kuruniyan missed from close range, and even the returning Sunil Chhetri failed to connect cleanly from six yards out. On that, scoring just five goals in two years highlights how significantly the Indian forwards have declined over time.
40-year-old Chhetri’s comeback from retirement had sparked brief hope, but the veteran’s presence alone hasn’t been enough to lift the team that has won just one of their last 16 games across competitions.
Off the field, uncertainty continues to cloud the national setup.
Former head coach Igor Stimac’s messy exit last year was followed by the appointment of Manolo Marquez, who has since juggled dual responsibilities as India coach and FC Goa manager.
Video
Once considered an emerging footballing nation, having reached a FIFA ranking of 96 in 2018 and competing closely with sides like Jordan, India now face a grim reality check.
The same Jordan side, which India narrowly lost to in 2018, has since reached the final of the AFC Asian Cup and qualified for the 2026 World Cup. India, meanwhile, are struggling to get the ball into the back of the net.
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