Valanka Alemao, one of the executive committee members of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has raised questions over the proposal of a new Appeal Committee. According to reports from News9 Sports, Valanka, also the CEO of Churchill Brothers has argued in a letter to the AIFF that the transfer and appointment of new members in the AIFF Appeal Committee has created serious concerns as the judicial bodies are in the midst of hearing several complaints that could potentially decide the fate of ongoing I-League.

AIFF secretary Anil Kumar, in a letter to the Federation's executive committee members, sought approval to include Retd. Justice Raghvendra Kumar (Allahabad High Court), former referee Chitta Das Majumdar, Lt. Gen. Ahlawat, Abhijith B, and Sunit Sharma in the existing five-member disciplinary committee chaired by Servesh Kumar Gupta.

At the same time, the federation also informed its willingness to appoint Raghvendra Kumar as deputy chairperson as incumbent Anirudha Jairam would be moved to become a member of the current five-member appeals committee, which would see the departures of the resigned Sanjay Yadav and the inactive Aqeel Ansari.

Retd. Justice (Session Court) Ashok Tripathi and former player Dipankar Roy are the names recommended to replace Yadav and Ansari on the appeals committee.

Valanka, replying to the AIFF email on 24th March, mentioned, ‘It is my considered opinion that transferring Mr. Aniruddha Jairam from the AIFF Disciplinary Committee (DC) to the Appeals Committee would be unproductive. Many of his decisions from the DC are currently under challenge. This would necessitate frequent recusals on his part, significantly impairing the efficiency and speed of the Appeals Committee’s proceedings.’

Valanka also raised the lack of transparency and the absence of crucial details, including the curriculum vitae (CVs) of the proposed members. "Without access to their relevant experience and qualifications, a meaningful discussion and assessment of their suitability is impossible. The AIFF should provide the CVs of each candidate," the CEO of Churchill Brothers, who are currently locked in a four-way fight for the I-League title, said. 

She added that circulating proposed minutes for approval without proper background information and transparency could negatively impact the Supreme Court’s perception of the AIFF’s governance, at a time when the apex court is examining all issues related to the federation’s functioning, with a hearing scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

The absence of women candidates in the two panels was also mentioned with a request to “make a concerted effort” to include qualified women in the judicial bodies to ensure “diversity and representation”.

"Without access to their relevant experience and qualifications, a meaningful discussion and assessment of their suitability is impossible. It is imperative that the AIFF provides the CVs of each candidate," the CEO of I-League side Churchill Brothers, who are currently locked in a four-way fight for the I-League title, said.

The absence of women candidates in the two panels was also mentioned with a request to “make a concerted effort” to include qualified women in the judicial bodies to ensure “diversity and representation”.

“It is deeply concerning that all the proposed names are of men,” Valanka pointed out.

Highlighting these concerns, she urged the AIFF to reconsider the proposed appointments and transfers with the belief that her recommendations are essential to "maintain the integrity and efficiency" of the AIFF's judicial processes and to ensure the free and fair functioning of the organization.