Former Andhra Football Chief Criticizes AIFF Leadership and Political Interference

Gopala Krishna Kosaraju, the ex-president of the Andhra Pradesh Football Association, has sharply criticized the AIFF and its president Kalyan Chaubey for allowing political interference in football. He claims this has led to confusion and a decline in the sport's development in the state. Kosaraju highlights the negative impact of the 2022 AIFF elections, where Chaubey's victory over Bhaichung Bhutia marked a turning point. He calls for corrective measures and unity among football clubs to restore the sport's integrity in Andhra Pradesh. Read on for more insights into this unfolding controversy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 23:01 IST

Kosaraju's Strong Critique of AIFF

Gopala Krishna Kosaraju, who previously served as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Football Association, has launched a fierce critique against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its president, Kalyan Chaubey. He accused them of fostering political meddling and creating rifts within the football administration in Andhra Pradesh. Kosaraju contended that the involvement of political figures in sports organizations has hindered the advancement of football in the region, leading to the establishment of parallel structures that have caused confusion and stunted the sport's growth.

Specific Accusations Against Chaubey

"We were elected for the term 2019 to 2023 and successfully introduced a League club in Visakhapatnam in 2021. We also endorsed Bhaichung Bhutia, a legendary figure in Indian football, to represent Andhra Pradesh in the AIFF presidential elections held in September 2022. Unfortunately, Bhutia did not win, and Kalyan Chaubey emerged victorious. The real issues began from that point onward," Kosaraju stated.

"Following that election, Chaubey and his team began to support a Member of Parliament, Kotagiri Sridhar, who initiated the 'Andhra Pradesh Football Federation' with a registered office in Eluru. This new federation has been backed by Chaubey and his associates," he added.

Impact of the 2022 AIFF Elections

Kosaraju emphasized that the 2022 AIFF elections marked a significant shift in Andhra football, particularly after Bhutia's defeat. He claimed that the rise of a competing body led by Kotagiri Sridhar has disrupted the football landscape in the state.

AIFF Presidential Election Overview

In the 2022 elections, Kalyan Chaubey succeeded Praful Patel as the AIFF president, winning decisively against Bhaichung Bhutia with 33 out of 34 votes. Chaubey, a former goalkeeper for India, has played for prominent Kolkata clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, as well as Goa's Salgaocar.

Call for Reforms

In closing, Kosaraju urged the AIFF to rectify its previous errors. "I appeal to the AIFF to amend the mistakes made by their observer and request the court to hold new elections with eligible voters in 2023. Additionally, I urge the state to unify all clubs under one organization, as we successfully did in Vizag, to enhance football quality, which has deteriorated significantly. Currently, football is virtually non-existent, and the situation has become a mere profit-making venture," he concluded.