The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has once again exposed its enduring governance shortcomings, particularly in a year when Indian football desperately needed a boost. The federation managed to allocate only INR 4.38 crore, or 51.02% of the INR 8.78 crore budgeted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for FY 2024-2025.
These funds were not meant for extravagant projects or superficial initiatives; they were designated for vital training camps, domestic competitions, and exposure tours that are essential for player development. The failure to fully utilize these funds raises alarming questions for a federation that frequently issues statements on social media. Is this a case of incompetence, poor planning, or sheer negligence? Regardless of the reason, the ultimate consequence is clear: Indian football is suffering.
This underutilization isn’t merely a restriction; it signifies a considerable neglect. In contrast, the Hong Kong FA receives over INR 55 crore annually, while the Singapore FA operates with a budget of INR 200 crore. How can the AIFF propel Indian football forward if it cannot even effectively manage its limited resources?
What’s particularly troubling is that this lack of utilization occurs during a decade-long decline in budget allocations. After receiving INR 30 crore in 2019-20, AIFF’s funding has plummeted to INR 15 crore and currently stands at INR 9 crore, with no signs of recovery. Meanwhile, other sports like golf, tennis, and bodybuilding have experienced growth. Even more astonishing, funding for yoga has surged by approximately 400%, while football, which is India’s second most popular sport, has been left high and dry.
Can we genuinely expect any meaningful development on the field if football governance is on the verge of collapse due to its own inaction? If the federation cannot even utilize the funds it currently possesses, how can it be trusted to build talent pipelines or restore India’s footballing reputation?
