Bhaichung Bhutia to be the New Brand Ambassador of AIFF

Bhaichung Bhutia: The RIght Choice

The AIFF is also looking to have a new brand ambassador in the most successful Indian striker Baichung Bhutia, who will be replacing actor Salman Khan — the face of Indian football for the last three years.

“It was felt that Bhutia, with his iconic stature as a footballer, would be better suited as the AIFF brand ambassador”, said General Secy. of AIFF Kaushal Das.

The AIFF is also planning to involve the soccer schools run by Bhutia to be a part of the grassroots development programme that will be formulated on the expertise provided by the Dutch sports management company Orange Sports Forum.

The Indian FA is also considering implementing a gradation system for the state associations based on the quantum of activity in the respective areas and streamline the development grants to its affiliates. The state associations will be branched in different grades according to the amount of football they play.

“The gradation formula is being worked out and the final draft will be discussed in the upcoming executive committee meeting scheduled during the end of this month”, said Mr. Das.

The AIFF also plans to compile all the available data on Indian football and bring out a comprehensive history of the sport in the country, according to Mr. Das.

The AIFF secretary also added that the interview with Juan Manuel Lillo, the first candidate for the influential technical director’s post, went well and the Spanish coach will be sending a development project plan that will be discussed by the executive committee before his appointment is finalised.

The AIFF will also have a special awareness camp on doping for the players before the start of the I-League later this year, Mr. Das added.