AIFF Accuses Executive Member of Exerting Pressure for Churchill Brothers' ISL Inclusion
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has formally accused one of its own executive committee members, Valanka Alemao, who serves as CEO of Churchill Brothers, of applying "sustained pressure" on the federation to secure a spot for the Goan football club in the prestigious Indian Super League (ISL).
Allegations of Improper Influence
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the AIFF detailed that between January 8 and February 15, Ms. Alemao and members of her family repeatedly pressured the federation to facilitate Churchill Brothers FC Goa's inclusion in the ISL through exceptional means that would bypass standard procedures.
"The federation was unable to accommodate this request due to existing rules, regulations, and commitments made to stakeholders," the AIFF emphasized, highlighting their commitment to maintaining regulatory compliance.
Background of the Conflict
The controversy emerges against a backdrop of existing tensions between Churchill Brothers and the football governing body. Currently, Churchill Brothers are not participating in either the top-tier ISL or the second-tier Indian Football League (IFL) this season.
Last season's I-League title race further strained relations when Churchill Brothers were initially declared champions, only to have the title later awarded to Inter Kashi following two successful appeals at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Executive Committee Member's Alleged Actions
According to the federation's statement, despite holding a position on the AIFF executive committee, Valanka Alemao repeatedly attempted to influence official proceedings with the specific objective of securing her club's inclusion in the ISL.
"Following the federation's refusal to include Churchill Brothers in the ISL due to regulatory constraints, several legal petitions were filed by members of Ms. Alemao's family," the AIFF revealed, suggesting a coordinated effort to challenge their decision through multiple channels.
Emergency Meeting Controversy
The AIFF detailed specific instances where Ms. Alemao allegedly pressed for emergency executive committee meetings to address her club's ISL inclusion:
- She strongly advocated for an emergency meeting on February 9, which failed to proceed due to lack of quorum
- A subsequent meeting was convened three days later where the proposal to include Churchill Brothers in the ISL was formally rejected
- On February 14, the opening day of the ISL season, her family requested a third emergency meeting on the same matter, which the AIFF declined as the issue had already been decided
Legal Proceedings and Federation's Stance
The situation escalated with legal petitions being filed before the Delhi High Court. The AIFF maintains that all its meetings and decisions are conducted strictly in accordance with its Articles of Association and established procedures.
"The AIFF reiterates that all meetings and decisions of the federation are conducted strictly in accordance with its Articles of Association and established procedures," the statement concluded, reinforcing their commitment to proper governance.
Counter Allegations from Valanka Alemao
Significantly, the AIFF's statement came on the same day that Valanka Alemao herself accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, vice president NA Haris, and deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan of intimidation and harassment during Sunday's executive committee meeting.
This exchange of allegations highlights deepening divisions within Indian football's governing body and raises questions about governance standards and conflict of interest management at the highest levels of the sport's administration.
