Indian football is currently facing a deep crisis. Despite the absence of sponsors and commercial partners, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced the start date of the Indian Super League, leaving uncertainty over the future of the sport unresolved. At the same time, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently faced criticism for mispronouncing the names of iconic clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Now, Mandaviya and AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey are once again in the spotlight after taking part in the FIFA World Cup trophy tour, an event that has not gone down well with many Indian football fans.
The FIFA World Cup is still around six months away, but as part of tradition, the original trophy is taken on a tour across different countries. India is one of the stops on this tour, and the trophy has arrived in the country for a three-day visit after nearly 12 years. It was officially unveiled at an event in Delhi, attended by Mansukh Mandaviya, Kalyan Chaubey, and former Brazilian World Cup winner Gilberto Silva.
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Fans express anger on social media
Amid the ongoing stagnation in Indian football, a section of fans criticised what they saw as a celebratory approach to the World Cup trophy visit. Many took to social media to express their frustration, questioning why there was excitement around an international event when domestic football continues to struggle.
Some fans argued that attention should first be given to fixing issues within Indian football rather than celebrating the achievements of other countries. One user wrote that authorities were unable to properly run the national football league but were quick to participate in high-profile events for publicity. The comment called for a complete restructuring of the AIFF and demanded that the sport be managed by qualified and capable leaders.
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Trophy schedule in India
The FIFA World Cup trophy will stay in Delhi for two days before being taken to Assam for a one-day visit. While the tour has generated excitement among some fans, the criticism reflects growing frustration over the state of Indian football and calls for meaningful reform.
