AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey Faces Harassment Allegations from Women’s Committee Head, Raising Governance Concerns
New Delhi, March 30, 2026 – The leadership of Indian football is once again under intense scrutiny after Valanka Alemao, head of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Women’s Committee, accused AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey of harassment during a high‑profile Executive Committee meeting at the federation’s headquarters, Football House in New Delhi.
In a formal letter addressed to members of the AIFF Executive Committee (Exco), Alemao detailed what she described as an “entirely disgusting behaviour” by Chaubey, Vice President N. A. Haris, and Deputy Secretary General M. Satyanarayan, alleging that she was “heckled and harassed” and that her voice was repeatedly “suppressed” during proceedings.
“The President made remarks against me which were unnecessary and disrespectful… Throughout the course of the meeting, I was consistently targeted,” Alemao wrote in the complaint, accusing senior officials of raising their tone to intimidate her.
The incident reportedly occurred on March 29, during deliberations on issues of administration and coordination within the federation. The letter has drawn attention to broader concerns around decision‑making processes, transparency, and governance within the AIFF — at a time when women’s football in India is seeking greater investment and structural support.
Who Is Valanka Alemao?
Valanka Alemao is a prominent football administrator in India, serving as chairperson of the AIFF Women’s Committee. She also holds the position of CEO at Churchill Brothers Football Club, a key club in Indian professional football, and is known for her involvement in national football governance.
Alemao has recently gained international recognition, becoming the first Indian woman appointed to FIFA’s Women’s Football Development Committee for the 2025–2029 term, underscoring her growing influence in the sport both domestically and globally.
Background of the Dispute
The latest allegations appear to be rooted in ongoing friction between Alemao and the AIFF leadership over administrative issues, particularly concerning India’s performance at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia. Alemao had earlier raised strong concerns about what she described as a “series of blunders” in preparation and logistics for the national team’s campaign, including controversial kit and management decisions.
In letters to the AIFF, she also raised questions about a lack of consultation with key committees — including the Women’s Committee and the Exco — on major decisions affecting women’s football. Her critique spotlighted wider transparency concerns within the federation, fueling the intensifying dispute.
Implications for AIFF Governance
The latest allegations come at a time when Indian football’s governing body is already under pressure over governance, decision‑making processes, and its handling of the women’s game. Critics argue that the friction at the top points to deeper structural challenges within the federation’s internal functioning.
The episode has triggered calls for an impartial probe into the conduct of those involved, as stakeholders and observers highlight the need for stronger institutional practices in India’s football governance. Official responses from the AIFF or Kalyan Chaubey regarding the harassment allegations were still awaited at the time of reporting.
This controversy adds to a series of recent debates around the federation’s policies, leadership style, and the treatment of women’s football in India — underscoring the sport’s struggle for professional governance amid rising expectations from both fans and international bodies.
