AIFF Executive Committee Member Valanka Alemao Levels Harassment Allegations Against Top Officials
In a significant development within Indian football governance, All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee member Valanka Alemao has publicly accused senior federation officials of intimidation and harassment. The allegations stem from her raising concerns about procedural irregularities during official meetings.
Detailed Email Outlines Disrespectful Behavior During Delhi Meeting
Alemao, who serves as chairperson of the women's football committee and holds the distinction of being the first and only elected female member of the AIFF, sent a detailed email to all federation members on Monday. In this communication, she described what she characterized as "disgusting behaviour" and "disrespectful actions" during Sunday's executive committee meeting in Delhi.
The email specifically named AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, vice president NA Haris, and deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan for their conduct during the proceedings. According to Alemao, Chaubey "made remarks which were unnecessary and disrespectful" directed toward her.
Allegations of Intimidation and Voice Suppression
"He along with the DSG also raised his tone time and again beyond an acceptable decibel with the intention to intimidate me," Alemao stated in her email. "I feel deeply prejudiced and I found that several attempts were made by the president to suppress my voice."
The executive committee member explained that she was consistently targeted for raising legitimate concerns about procedural irregularities and demanding answers on various matters. She believes her previous questioning of federation decisions had angered the leadership, leading to what she describes as "unfair treatment" during the meeting.
Specific Concerns Raised About Federation Procedures
Alemao has previously raised multiple concerns about AIFF operations, including:
- The appointment process for coach Amelia Valverde
- Deviations from decisions made in earlier meetings during preparatory phases
- Mishandling of kits for the women's national team at the AFC Asian Cup in Australia
- Lack of transparency in finalizing commercial rights and sponsorship details
Before Sunday's meeting began, Alemao had expressed concern about steps taken to finalize commercial rights and the failure to inform members about important sponsorship details.
Constitutional Violations Alleged in Committee Appointments
In her email, Alemao also questioned the appointment of two new members to the AIFF ethics and dispute resolution committee. She noted that this was done without circulating the eligibility report among executive committee members, which she claims contravenes Article 45.9 of the federation's constitution.
Contrast With National Efforts for Women's Empowerment
Alemao highlighted the contradiction between her treatment and national efforts toward gender equality. "At a time when the Prime Minister and the central government, through various policies, are trying to provide women due and proper place in society, the AIFF is doing just the opposite by heckling and harassing a women executive committee member," she stated.
She emphasized her credentials as the first woman elected to the AIFF executive committee since the federation's establishment in 1937 and her current role as a member of the FIFA women's football development committee. "This clearly portrays my competency as a responsible administrator at a global level," Alemao added.
The allegations have raised serious questions about governance and gender dynamics within India's premier football governing body at a time when women's football in the country is seeking greater recognition and support.
