The AIFF is facing a potential Rs 80-85 crore deficit after hosting international friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama. President Kalyan Chaubey's proposal to liquidate the federation's fixed deposit to clear the dues was opposed by members at Sunday's meeting.AIFF boss Kalyan Chaubey has been left red faced in the body's meeting on Sunday. (PTI Photo) The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) decision to host high-profile international friendlies against Brazil, Uruguay and Panama has left the federation facing a potential financial deficit of Rs 80-85 crore.

President Kalyan Chaubey's proposal to liquidate the federation's fixed deposit (FD) to meet the expenses was, however, opposed by members during a Special General Body Meeting (SGBM) on Sunday.Several members objected to the proposal, maintaining that the federation's fixed deposit should not be touched except in an emergency. AIFF Vice President NA Haris also intervened during the online meeting, pointing out that the federation's Executive Committee had already decided against liquidating the FD.Chaubey reportedly told members that he wanted to withdraw money from the fixed deposit to clear the deficit arising from hosting the three international friendlies.

He subsequently offered to arrange funds through external sources and repay whatever amount was withdrawn from the FD."Yes, he (Chaubey) said he wants to liquidate the AIFF's fixed deposit to pay the deficit (arising out of the international friendlies)," a senior official of a state association, who attended the meeting, told PTI on condition of anonymity. "Later, he (Chaubey) also said that he would arrange funds from outside sources and then pay back whatever amount is to be withdrawn from the FD," the official added.The exact deficit was not disclosed to the members, with the official citing a confidentiality clause in the agreement governing the financial arrangements for the matches. Another AIFF Executive Committee member also confirmed that Chaubey had proposed withdrawing money from the federation's fixed deposit.

According to the official, almost all members who attended the meeting objected to the suggestion.MEMBERS QUESTION FUNDING ARRANGEMENTSFormer AIFF president Praful Patel was among those who raised concerns over the proposal. According to the state association official, Patel reminded Chaubey that during the previous SGBM, the AIFF president had said that the money required to host the international friendlies would be arranged through external sources.Patel also sought clarity on the financial liabilities arising from the matches, asking Chaubey to inform members about when and how much money the federation would have to pay its creditors.Haris subsequently proposed that a group of General Body members be invited to discuss the issue.

It was decided that he would hold a meeting with some members before the matter was placed before the Executive Committee again for a decision on whether the fixed deposit could be liquidated to clear the outstanding dues.The proposal has also raised broader questions about the AIFF's financial position and its ability to fund regular football activities.During Sunday's meeting, a member questioned how the federation would continue to finance and organise domestic championships, football development programmes and competitions such as the Santosh Trophy while dealing with the losses arising from the international friendlies.When contacted by PTI, Chaubey declined to comment on the matter, describing it as an internal meeting."No, I am not giving my version. It was an internal meeting and what is there to tell outside (people)," he said.The controversy could also raise questions over Chaubey's earlier reported assurances that the federation would not have to bear the financial burden of hosting the three international friendlies.- Ends