Bob Houghton Steps Down As India's National Coach

After a thousand and more rumors surrounding the future of AIFF and Bob Houghton, it is clear that on Saturday, the 23rd of April, 2011, the British coach submitted a resignation letter which has been accepted by mutual consent by the AIFF, leading to him quitting as the national team coach.

Houghton during happier times

This brings an end to a volatile relationship between Bob Houghton and the AIFF officials which heightened when Houghton allegedly abused referee Dinesh Nair in a racist manner. The remark was said to be a stray comment in a heated argument that took place last October. Kushal Das, the AIFF’s general secretary, had said that the comments allegedly made by Mr. Houghton were “purely a case of racial abuse” and were leading to a case of “bringing the Federation into disrepute”. Though the AIFF have released a statement saying “in the absence of any definitive and concrete evidence the allegations against Mr. Houghton cannot be sustained and therefore the AIFF agrees to withdraw all charges and allegations made against him.” It seems like the most likely cause for his resignation, even if they have stated “personal reasons” for the termination of Houghton’s contract.

This is not the first time the AIFF and Houghton have parted ways. In the May of 2010, Houghton submitted a resignation letter, which was due to the governing body not being able to meet his demands for a new and improved contract. However, the contract was later issued and his term as the national coach was extended to another four possible years along with a pay rise of $10,000 per month.Yet this time, there seems to be no regrets in either the coach or the AIFF, and both seem to have said “good riddance” and moved on. While the coach had numerous little reasons to be cross at the federation, The AIFF too found it hard to support the Houghton’s $30,000 monthly salary, due to it’s pitiable financial conditions.

The high profile coach was a honored figure amongst fans and players alike. The players even came to defend the racist claims that blotched his last years as the Indian head coach. He will be deeply missed by every football fanatic all across this country.