Team Herald
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MARGAO: Former India international Jules Alberto has delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of Indian football, questioning the priorities of administrators at a time when the country’s domestic leagues continue to struggle for financial stability and long-term direction.
Referring to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL) and the stagnation of the I-League, Alberto said, “The focus on optics over substance had weakened the game.”
He described it as a “bitter irony” that Indian football, which continues to grapple with sponsorship shortages and fragile league structures, could spend hundreds of crores of rupees to parade a global icon such as Lionel Messi for short-term publicity.
Taking to social media, Alberto said, “Indian football instead needed sustained investment in grassroots development, player welfare, infrastructure and restoring confidence in the domestic league system.”
According to him, headline-driven decisions offered little long-term value when the sport required intelligent planning and a clear roadmap.
The former striker was also critical of the functioning of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), saying years of progress built through collective sacrifice by administrators, players, coaches and families had been undone.
He said, “Trust within the footballing community had steadily eroded, leaving the game weaker than before.”
His remarks come amid growing unease within the football fraternity, with current Indian players recently issuing public appeals seeking clarity, stability and administrative reform, warning that prolonged uncertainty was affecting careers, livelihoods and the credibility of the domestic game.
Former internationals have also echoed similar concerns in the past, calling for professional governance and a clearly defined league structure.
Referring to AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, Alberto said, “The situation was particularly disappointing given Chaubey’s own background as a former India player.”
Leadership in football, he said, demanded accountability, humility and a genuine commitment to nurturing the sport from the ground up.
Elaborating on the way forward, Alberto said, “Indian football could not grow on passion, emotions or legacy alone.”
While former players bring invaluable experience, he said sustainable progress required professional governance, strong financial understanding, strategic administration and long-term vision. A mix of playing experience and technical expertise, he added, could work only if backed by the right intentions and accountability.
Alberto expressed hope that Indian football would soon witness positive change, warning that the current phase risked being remembered not for growth, but for dismantling what had taken decades to build.
