Former Olympians Refuse AIFF’s Grant

Kolkata: Badru Banerjee, who led India at the 1956 Olympic squad who famously finished fourth, feels that the AIFF’s act is cheap and that they have not honoured their word.

Back in February this year, the Olympians had visited the Indian FA’s office wherein the ex-players proposed that a pension system similar to that of Board of Control for Cricket In India (BCCI) must be implemented. All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary, Alberto Colaco had acknowledged their request and agreed to place the proposal in front of the Executive Committee. “During the visit they (former Olympians) put forward various suggestions. One of them was to give a stipend to former players who had performed with distinction in tournaments like the Olympics or Asian Games. I informed them that I would place their request before the Executive Committee or the Finance Committee with a favourable recommendation,” Colaco said.Banerjee opines that instead of giving a pension, the AIFF gave them a grant and the former Indian skipper has asked his colleagues not to encash the cheque. “AIFF had told us that there is fund for players and so, I proposed that they can have a pension system like the BCCI. Colaco confirmed that he shall speak to the Executive Committee but after that, they haven’t responded. “We are Olympians and we don’t need your grants. This is not the way you treat those who have served your country. I feel like a beggar on the street,” said an infuriated Banerjee. AIFF does have a fund of rupees one crore to help families of ex-players when the need arose. The Mohun Bagan Ratna award winner believes that the money has been misused by the AIFF by organising needless trips to Dubai and Barcelona. “You treat the Olympians in a shameful manner and today, you have plans such as Goal 2011! We are disgusted and shocked. In the past, we didn’t have any money and had to pay from our own pockets to play the game," said Banerjee. Goal.com