Did astrology play a role in the recent success of the Indian men’s football team in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers?
Well it seems India The Federation of Football (AIFF) attempted to connect the stars.
It is learned that the AIFF spent Rs 16 lakh on an astrology agency it had hired to “motivate” the national team, which confirmed its berth in the 24-team AFC Asian Cup final.
The team led by Sunil Chhetri topped the group to qualify.
“A motivator was appointed for the national team ahead of the Asian Cup. Later, it was revealed that the company that got engaged was an astrological firm,” a team insider told PTI.
“Clearly, an astrologer was appointed to motivate the team. A huge payment of Rs 16 lakh was made,” claimed the source.
The astrological firm apparently took three seasons with the Blue Tigers, but a Kolkata player said: “At least I didn’t hear about it because I joined the team late.”
Sunando Dhar, who is the acting general secretary of AIFF, was not available for comment.
Former India goalkeeper Tanumay Bose scoffed at the idea and slammed AIFF for being a laughing stock.
“At a time when the AIFF has repeatedly failed to organize proper youth leagues and several prestigious tournaments have to be called off, such incidents will further tarnish the image of Indian football,” Bose said.
He further added that it was just a “smoke screen” as AIFF officials are quite capable of using the money to sponsor their upcoming foreign trips.
“COA (who is running the show at AIFF after suspension of President Praful Patel) should go deep into this horrific incident and find out who is responsible behind it. Many scams are waiting for the light of day,” he said.
The Supreme Court last month appointed a three-member Committee of Administrators (CoA) to manage the affairs of the AIFF, ending Praful Patel’s long rein.
Black magic is not new to Indian football. A club from Delhi once included a ‘baba’ from Meerut for an important league match and after his victory, the team credited their success to him.
The Sunil Chhetri-led side recorded their best Asian Cup campaign ever as the talisman scored four goals in three matches to take the national team to the final.
India started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Cambodia and then went on to win 2-1 at the last-gasp Afghanistan Beating Hong Kong 4–0 to qualify as group toppers.
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