Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia has sharply criticized the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following the national team’s 0–1 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. In a scathing assessment, Bhutia questioned the AIFF’s decision-making—particularly a sudden promise of a USD 50,000 bonus for a potential win—calling it arbitrary and emblematic of deeper systemic failures. He also urged AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey to resign, citing consistent underperformance and administrative instability.