The head of the AIFF women’s committee is demanding accountability after a ‘series of blunders’ during the Asian Cup

The head of the All India Football Federation’s women’s committee, Valanka Alemao, on Monday alleged that procedural lapses by the organisation’s technical committee resulted in the «series of blunders», including ill-fitting jerseys, that marred the national team’s Asian Cup campaign in Australia.

In a letter to AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, Alemao demanded action against the officials responsible for the “huge embarrassment to the country” ahead of the tournament when players had to publicly call for well-fitting jerseys.

The team started with a brave performance against Vietnam, losing 1-2 after being level for much of the match. However, their performances later dipped as India were outscored by Japan and Chinese Taipei to emerge winless from the prestigious continental showpiece.

“…questions must be asked and answers sought from those responsible for the series of blunders regarding the team as it has caused great embarrassment to the country as a whole,” Alemao said in her letter.

She urged Chaubey to convene an Executive Committee meeting to discuss all issues ‘worn out’ besides taking action against the guilty officials.

She claimed that the Executive Committee and the AIFF Women’s Football Committee were never consulted or informed about «certain decisions» that were made.

“Who decided in January 2026 to appoint Amelia Valverde of Costa Rica as head coach, along with her two assistants, by sidelining Crispin Chhetri just six weeks before the tournament?” Alemao asked.

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«What was the procedure followed for her appointment? The Technical Committee approved the appointments without calling for a list of potential candidates to be drawn up or advertised, as happened when choosing the coach for the women’s team without any knowledge of the European Championship,» she pointed out.

“Where was the need to involve someone so close to the tournament and what was the cost of payments to all three?” The AIFF Constitution provides that “all processes for the recruitment of individuals and engagement of contractors and/or service providers shall be conducted through a transparent and open procurement process, with notices thereof duly posted on the AIFF website.”

Alemao said Valverde’s appointment took place without following the proper process.

“During the Women’s Committee meeting in December 2025, I had mentioned several areas that needed attention regarding preparations, travel, accommodation, equipment, etc. But everything was in disarray… Who decided to outsource all the arrangements?”

Alemao, who is also a member of the FIFA Women’s Football Development Committee, also said that friendlies with «totally substandard opposition» had been organized in the lead-up to the main tournament.

«The team played only three friendlies, one against Iran and two against Nepal. More importantly, the team was made to play against mediocre clubs, which did not give them any advantage.»

“Who decided to send the team to Turkey instead of China as originally planned?” she asked.

She then raised the issue of ill-fitting equipment, saying those responsible should be held accountable.

«…what happened to the kits provided to the Indian team? Who sent ill-fitting jerseys for junior players to Australia. Two days before the first match, the players had to cause such bizarre shocks.»

«The news spread like wildfire that the local organizers helped the team in securing the right jerseys. These questions must be asked and those responsible for such blunders that have brought shame to the nation must be held accountable,» she demanded.

Published on March 23, 2026