AIFF Meeting Raises Concerns Amidst Absence of Former Secretary-General Shaji Prabhakaran

Advertisement

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is scheduled to convene an executive committee meeting on Wednesday to deliberate on the dismissal of former FIFA official Shaji Prabhakaran from his role as secretary-general. However, in a move raising eyebrows, Prabhakaran has not been invited to the meeting, casting doubts on the transparency and fairness of the proceedings.

Prabhakaran had secured a legal stay on his dismissal from the Delhi High Court in December, highlighting that his termination was executed by an AIFF emergency committee, whereas only the executive committee holds the authority to make such decisions. Despite the court’s order permitting the AIFF to conduct an executive committee meeting on the matter, Prabhakaran’s exclusion from the gathering has sparked concerns about due process.

The agenda circulated by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey includes a discussion item on the “dismissal and termination of service of Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran.” However, the absence of Prabhakaran from the meeting has led to questions regarding procedural fairness and the AIFF’s adherence to established protocols.

Prabhakaran’s removal from his position in November was purportedly due to a breach of trust, as stated by the AIFF. Since then, Prabhakaran has been contesting his dismissal, culminating in a favorable ruling by the Delhi High Court. The forthcoming executive committee session is anticipated to provide clarity on the matter and illuminate the AIFF’s stance on the future of its leadership.