xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_40905" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Bhaichung was recently removed from the post of the chairman of the technical committee of the AIFF. Image Source: topnews.in[/caption] Internet Desk: Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has got his contract renewed as advisor to the All India Football Federation. Bhutia, whose contract was terminated in March, has agreed to remain in the post for another year. The Sikkimese footballer will work closely with AIFF President Praful Patel, sharing his valuable inputs for the development of football in the country. Bhaichung was recently removed from the post of the chairman of the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). He was replaced by another former footballer Shyam Thapa. Insiders in the Federation feel, it was a deliberate move to stop the former footballer from speaking against the Federation in the media. It was seen in recent times Bhutia making statements in the media which did not go down well with the Federation officials. The source further confirmed that Bhaichung has agreed to work with a less remuneration. He will be getting Rs 18 lakh compared to what he received earlier i.e., 24 lakh. With the FIFA U’17 World Cup to kick start in a few months from now, the former footballer will be used to promote the game across the country. As part of the promotion for the mega event in October, Bhutia along with Bollywood superstars Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and the Federation President himself will be present at TransStadia in Ahmedabad on April 08. "We will also be focusing more on grassroots programme. During my first stint, I had put a lot of emphasis on grassroots as that is the way forward. Also state licensing is an aspect I want to train my eyes on this time," said Bhaichung to IANS. Asked about the U-17 World Cup India is going to host for the first time later this year, Bhutia said the team has been given the best possible exposure and the AIFF has left no stone unturned in their preparations for the youth showpiece. "We have given them ample exposure trips to all parts of the world. I don't think even countries like England and other European countries do so much in terms of preparing the boys. They have been looked after well and I hope we do well in the World Cup," the former India captain asserted. Bhutia was happy to see Kolkata hosting the U’17 World Cup final. According to Bhaichung, "Kolkata has always been very passionate about football and it is the perfect stage for the final of India's first World Cup."