AIFF tech committee hasn`t met for three years: Mohd Habib

New Delhi: At a time when Indian football is struggling to come to terms with the decline in rankings, former India international Mohammed Habib has accused the AIFF of making its much-hyped technical committee defunct.

The committee consists of former international players like Habib, Inder Singh and Pradip Chowdhury. "Earlier, our suggestions would be sought but we have hardly been called during the past three years," a fuming Habib told PTI over phone from his Hyderabad residence. Another former India player, who is also a part of the technical committee, has said that no one is aware whether the committee still exists or not. "Oh am I still part of the committee! I didn`t know... Do you have any knowledge," the sarcasm was certainly not lost. The AIFF has started its Platinum Jubilee (75 years) celebrations but that has also been marred by controversies as Habib categorically stated that he has been told to join the celebrations "only if he is ready to bear his own expenses." "I have received an invitation for the event but when I inquired about my arrangements in Delhi, a lady representing AIFF told me point blank that I will have to arrange for my own accommodation and pay for my travel expenses," an insulted Habib revealed. One of the biggest names in Indian football during the 70`s, Habib has been a chief coach at the TFA, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting. "I am a retired person now. How do they expect me to pay from my own pocket? It means spending a lot of money but their approach certainly was insulting. You don`t want to invite fine but don`t insult someone who has served the game," Habib added. The AIFF, on its part, denied that such invitation has been ever sent to any of the players. "We are doing our best to ensure that the greats and the officials are present on the day of the platinum jubilee celebration. We have booked five-star facility for them. We have no such knowledge of anyone sending such an invitation," an AIFF official said in defence. PTI