AIFF Women's Head Demands Probe Into Team's AFC Asian Cup Debacle
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing internal turmoil following the Indian women's football team's disastrous performance at the AFC Asian Cup. Valanka Alemao, chairperson of the AIFF Women's Football Committee, has called for a full inquiry into the team's shambolic preparations and strongly opposes the likely extension of head coach Amelia Valverde's contract.
Shocking Results and Contract Controversy
India suffered a humiliating campaign in the tournament, losing all their league matches. They were defeated 1-2 by Vietnam, 1-3 by Chinese Taipei, and were thrashed 0-11 by eventual champions Japan, conceding a total of 16 goals. Despite these shocking results, the AIFF technical committee, led by IM Vijayan and including members like Shabbir Ali and Climax Lawrence, is scheduled to meet and extend Valverde's contract on Tuesday.
Valanka Alemao has raised serious questions in a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, demanding accountability for the team's poor performance. She highlighted several issues, including the last-minute appointment of Amelia Valverde from Costa Rica as head coach in January 2026, just six weeks before the tournament, sidelining Crispin Chhetri. Alemao questioned the procedure followed for her appointment, noting that the technical committee cleared it without advertising for candidates or informing the executive committee.
Preparation Failures and Scheduling Blunders
The team's preparations were marred by multiple failures. An ill-fitting kit was supplied to the players, forcing the AIFF to scramble for a fresh set from Australia. Practice matches were arranged against sub-standard opposition, with the team playing only three friendlies against Iran and Nepal, and mediocre club sides that provided no benefit. Alemao also questioned the decision to send the team to Turkey instead of China as originally planned.
In her letter, Alemao stated, "These questions must be raised and those who are responsible for such blunders which have brought shame to the nation must be taken to task." She emphasized the need to protect younger teams, saying, "Most importantly, our Under-17 and Under-20 have also qualified for their respective Asian tournaments. We must ensure that the young girls will not have to endure all that the senior team members had to."
Internal Opposition and Calls for Resignation
Another executive committee member expressed anger over the contract extension, telling The Tribune, "We should have sought her resignation after the results rather than thinking about extending her contract. Who in their right frame of mind thinks of an extension after a team concedes 16 goals?" This member has already spoken to people on the technical committee to oppose Valverde's extension.
Alemao has requested President Chaubey to convene an executive committee meeting to discuss the debacle and fix accountability. She asked critical questions about the costs involved in appointing Valverde and her two assistants so close to the tournament, and the overall management of the team's preparations.
The controversy highlights deep-seated issues within the AIFF's administration of women's football, with calls for transparency and better planning to avoid future embarrassments on the international stage.
