Churchill Bros ask AIFF ethics panel to examine Chaubey’s ‘conflict of interest’

Churchill Brothers Escalates Conflict with AIFF Leadership

Churchill Brothers FC, a storied name in Indian football, has taken a bold step by urging the All India Football Federation's ethics panel to investigate president Kalyan Chaubey for potential conflict of interest.

The Goan club claims that Chaubey's wife, Sohini Mitra, holds a directorship at Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt Ltd and is involved in the executive committee of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club.

This connection, they argue, compromises Chaubey's ability to make impartial decisions as AIFF head, especially in matters affecting rival clubs.

The complaint highlights how such undisclosed relationships violate key provisions in the AIFF Constitution and Code of Ethics, demanding transparency and possible recusal.

Allegations Center on Governance and Disclosure Rules

At the heart of the issue is Article 73.3 of the AIFF Constitution, which requires officials to disclose any potential conflicts in writing to the ethics committee, with details made public on the federation's website.

Churchill Brothers points out that no such disclosure was made regarding Chaubey's familial link to Mohun Bagan, a prominent club in the Indian Super League.

They reference Articles 19 and 19(A) of the 2017 AIFF Code of Ethics, suggesting breaches in integrity standards.

The club seeks a thorough review of whether Chaubey's candidacy for AIFF president aligns with these governance principles, calling for remedial actions like disclosures or steps to avoid bias.

This move comes as Churchill fights for recognition and inclusion in top-tier competitions, amplifying concerns over fair play in Indian football administration.

Ethics Panel Faces Its Own Challenges Amid Probe Requests

The AIFF ethics and dispute resolution committee is already stretched thin, complicating matters further.

Recently, chairperson RK Pachnanda recused himself from Churchill's prior complaints against Inter Kashi due to his past role as AIFF integrity officer.

Then, member Sudarshan Kumar Agarwal resigned after the club flagged his history as Chaubey's personal lawyer, including issuing a defamation notice on the president's behalf.

This left the panel with only two members, short of the three needed for quorum, halting hearings.

Deputy chairperson Ashok Tripathi noted the resignation made Churchill's recusal application moot and urged the AIFF secretary to fill vacancies promptly.

said Churchill's general manager Aditya Barros Pereira in the complaint.

We have asked the independent ethics panel to scrutinize the directorship and governance role of the president's wife, assess compliance with constitutional provisions, and enforce necessary disclosures or recusals to uphold federation integrity,

The broader context involves Churchill Brothers' push for Indian Super League entry, rejected by ISL clubs as undermining merit-based participation.

Earlier, the AIFF executive committee turned down their inclusion, following pleas from clubs like FC Goa.

Churchill has even initiated contempt proceedings against AIFF for not resolving their grievances per Delhi High Court directives from January, which mandated speaking orders within weeks.

These layers of disputes paint a picture of deep-seated tensions in Indian football governance, where personal ties and procedural lapses fuel distrust among stakeholders.

As the ethics panel reconstitutes, all eyes are on whether it can restore faith in the system.

Ongoing Battles Highlight Need for Stronger Oversight

Churchill's latest appeal underscores persistent governance woes plaguing the AIFF.

From stalled hearings to leadership recusals, the federation struggles to maintain neutrality in disputes involving promotion, relegation, and club rights.

Fans and clubs alike worry that unresolved conflicts erode the sport's credibility at a time when Indian football aims for global relevance.

The call for ethical scrutiny on Chaubey could set precedents for future elections and decisions, pushing for stricter adherence to conflict rules.

Meanwhile, Churchill remains sidelined from top divisions, their championship pedigree in I-League overshadowed by administrative hurdles.

In summary, Churchill Brothers' complaint against Kalyan Chaubey spotlights undeclared family interests in rival clubs, ethics panel shortages, and wider ISL inclusion fights, urging reforms for transparent football governance in India.