The Indian national team coach, Bob Houghton has reportedly handed over his resignation to the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF).
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The Englishman was apparently angered by AIFF secretary general Alberto Colaco who on his recent visit to Malaysia for an AFC meeting asked a top agent to look out for a replacement for the national team coach.
Houghton therefore sought for a contract extension plus a hike of $10000 beyond his current contract which runs till January 31, 2011 as he did not want to be left without a job after the 2011 Asian Cup. However, AIFF chief, Mr. Praful Patel has intervened and asked Houghton to stay on as the Indian team coach and promised a review of his contract extension in the executive committee meeting scheduled to take place on 7th May. Patel cleared the air on the issue, saying, “He has not resigned and will stay.”
The coach is at present in Cape Town and resigned yesterday through an e-mail giving a three months notice.
All this has put India’s Asian Cup 2011 plans into jeopardy. Already drawing tough opponents like Australia, Bahrain and South Korea, Houghton had asked for International matches and training facilities to be arranged for. But still nothing has moved forward in that direction. Also the exclusive contracts for the 30 probables haven’t been drawn up as yet. All this and more led to differences between the top officials in the AIIF and Houghton, especially Colaco.
Speaking to Times of India, national team captain, Baichung Bhutia said, "It is time we understand that India needs Houghton more than Houghton needs India. It will be very difficult if not impossible to find someone of his stature to come and work in India. After all his achievements in Europe and Asia, it was nice of him to agree to come and work in India whose ranking and infrastructures are nothing to write home about."