Tribute to Kushal Das: A Dozen Years Defined by Structural Upheaval, Hope and Occasional Sparks

Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran

Kushal Das, the former General Secretary of the All India Football Federation, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the age of 66. He held the position of General Secretary for 12 years. The former ICC CFO died at a private hospital in Delhi. His tenure at the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was marked by modernization efforts in Indian football, including the expansion of domestic competitions, strengthening of institutions, and the emergence of a new professional era. As the second full-time professional General Secretary in AIFF's long history, he took on the role during a time of significant opportunity and responsibility, aligning with a major partnership with Reliance, one of India's largest industry groups.

Kushal Das

Let's explore his efforts and contributions during his time as General Secretary of the AIFF. The focus is on showcasing what he accomplished, rather than what he couldn't achieve or might have done differently.

A New Era Begins with Financial Stability

In 2010, when Kushal Das became part of the AIFF, Indian football was on the brink of a significant 15-year marketing and commercial partnership worth ₹700 crore with IMG-Reliance, which later became Football Sports Development Limited. This was the largest commercial agreement in AIFF's history (signed on 9th December 2010), fundamentally transforming the financial landscape of the sport in India.

He succeeded Alberto Colaco, the first full‑time General Secretary after the adoption of the 2004 constitution. Colaco had laid a strong administrative foundation despite limited resources. But it was under Kushal Das that AIFF finally had the financial bandwidth to expand its workforce, build departments, and professionalize operations.

Strengthening Institutions and Delegating Authority

One of Kushal Das’s greatest strengths was his ability to delegate authority, empower department heads, and enhance the finances of the AIFF. Under his leadership, the AIFF established several new departments, hired professionals, and appointed its first full-time Technical Director in 2012, a position crucial for long-term development. Robert Baan became India's first full-time Technical Director. The Dutchman was an excellent choice for the Federation, given his strong background, having served as the technical director of Australia before joining India. In 2012, he developed a Master Plan to advance Indian football, called "Lakshya."

This period also coincided with FIFA’s increased engagement with India, leading to:

• Four FIFA-supported regional academies

• Major grassroots initiatives

• Technical manpower support

• Grassroots projects in states like Mizoram that later became models of football development

• India was granted the hosting rights for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017 as part of FIFA's initiative to expand the sport in the country.

These initiatives were feasible because AIFF administration, under Kushal Das's leadership, had the willingness and enhanced resources to embrace and execute new initiatives.

Expanding Competitions and Grassroots Programs

During Kushal Das's tenure, the club competition framework was rejuvenated, and major grassroots programs were initiated. While he was in office, the AIFF broadened the I-League and extended it to new areas with direct corporate entries. Clubs like Bengaluru FC, Gokulam Kerala FC, Aizawl FC, Real Kashmir FC and Sreenidi Deccan FC made significant impacts on the Indian football landscape, boosting the league's appeal in the North Eastern Region.

The introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL) significantly increased the sport's visibility and commercial appeal. Launched in 2014 by FSDL, the ISL was one of the most significant initiatives in the history of the AIFF, drawing industrialists, Bollywood celebrities, renowned sports figures, and international stars to Indian football like never before. This period presented challenges, disrupting the balance between the existing top league structure and the new, star-studded, short-duration league. While this complex phase propelled Indian football into the global spotlight, it also brought challenges due to the sudden changes in the league structure. However, Kushal Das managed this transition effectively, uniting all stakeholders and ensuring smooth coexistence, with involvement from global football governing bodies. The AIFF also invested in grassroots (baby league), youth development programs, scouting networks, and coach education. Notably, the coach education initiatives stood out due to their structured approach and purpose, leading to noticeable progress in developing a higher number of licensed coaches compared to the previous decade.

Handling Challenges with Composure

The decade presented numerous challenges. The Blue Tigers faced issues such as inconsistent performances on the international stage, infrastructure shortcomings, and occasional administrative disputes. Kushal Das's management abilities were tested as he handled competing interests and challenges within the sport. The national men's team's performance at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 drew attention from fans and stakeholders, highlighted by a comeback victory against Thailand and competitive matches against hosts UAE and the higher-ranked Bahrain in the group stage, even though they did not progress to the knockout rounds. During this tournament, the national team showed potential to compete against top teams in Asia, renewing hope for a brighter future for the national team.

Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on organizing competitions and activities. The Covid-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges during his tenure, yet major competitions like the ISL and I-League were successfully conducted in a bubble environment with minimal complications. Although the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2022 faced a significant crisis when the Blue Tigresses had to withdraw due to Covid-19 exposure, the event concluded smoothly without further issues as hosts. His ability to collaborate with stakeholders, including clubs, players, sponsors, marketing partners, and government bodies, enabled AIFF to navigate complex situations. His tenure demonstrated that new initiatives can be pursued, and stakeholders can unite to advance progress.

Major Milestones and National Impact

Kushal Das was instrumental in numerous significant accomplishments that revitalized interest in Indian football:

• Successful hosting of the FIFA U‑17 World Cup 2017, a watershed moment for the country

• Launch of the Indian Women’s League (IWL), giving women’s football a national platform

• Introduction of club licensing, raising professional standards across clubs

• Smooth launch and integration of the Indian Super League (ISL)

• Mission XI Million (substantial funding from MYAS) - an initiative to encourage football in schools as part of the promotional and activation efforts for the FIFA U17 World Cup India 2017

• Launch of Futsal Club Championship

• Conceptualisation of the National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata

• Structured coach education pathways, producing coaches at all levels

• Youth leagues and academy accreditation, strengthening the talent pipeline

  
  

During his tenure, India secured the hosting rights for the FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup 2022, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022, the AFC U‑17 Championship, and also hosted the AFC Awards Night in 2015.

Partnerships, Governance, and Stakeholder Trust

The relationship between AIFF President Praful Patel and Kushal Das was founded on trust and mutual respect. Kushal Das was among Patel’s most trusted aides, and this stable leadership enabled AIFF to undertake long-term projects without facing administrative disruptions. Mr. Patel provided Kushal Das with significant freedom to manage operations, make administrative decisions, and devise new policies to advance the game.

Kushal Das and Praful Patel

His rapport with FSDL ensured that the partnership remained cohesive and forward-looking. Similarly, his relationship with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India remained cordial and constructive. During this period:

• Government support for football increased significantly

• The Ministry sanctioned over ₹100 crore for the FIFA U‑17 World Cup

• Annual Budget of AIFF crossed ₹100 crore

• Payment from FSDL without obstacles (in accordance with contractual terms)

  
  

These were unprecedented levels of support for Indian football.

A Decade of Growth Learning, and Legacy

Although every leader has limitations, it is noteworthy that Kushal Das advanced Indian football in certain key areas. During parts of his tenure, both the men's and women's national teams experienced improvements in FIFA rankings. State Associations were provided with capacity-building support (through FIFA), and AIFF made efforts to implement ranking systems and operational reforms.

He additionally appointed a Chief Operating Officer to enhance the Standard Operating Procedures across departments, further reinforcing the institutional framework and capacity.

From 2011 to 2016, while working with FIFA, I collaborated closely with Kushal Das. He was always receptive to new ideas, embraced innovation, and was keen to push boundaries. This openness enabled FIFA to implement the highest number of development projects in India during that period, ranging from grassroots initiatives to strategic areas, and in 2015, AIFF launched its first-ever strategic plan.

The Man Behind the Administrator

Kushal Das had a strong academic foundation, was well-read, widely traveled, and intellectually inquisitive. His experience with global sports, particularly during his tenure with the ICC and IMG, enhanced AIFF's decision-making process. His effective communication, composed nature, and confidence in his team fostered an atmosphere where innovative ideas could thrive.

He kept friendly relations with the media and was always willing to tackle challenging questions. Despite facing difficulties near the end of his tenure, his contributions are largely viewed in a positive light. He consistently exhibited a calm demeanor, occasionally showed assertiveness, and was generally a carefree individual.

A Lasting Contribution

Kushal Das will be remembered as a CONTRIBUTOR who:

• Professionalized AIFF

• Strengthened its institutional capacity

• Enabled major global events in India

• Laid the foundation for women’s football

• Supported grassroots and youth development

• Elevating Indian football to a better economic status

• Led and managed a driven team that effectively executed the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017

  
  

Throughout his twelve-year tenure, he was instrumental in achieving financial stability for Indian football, characterized by some of the most efficient operations among sports federations in the country. The structures, programs, and pathways developed under his leadership had the potential to influence the sport's future. A notable achievement during his tenure was India hosting the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, marking the first time an Indian team participated in a World Cup competition, a significant milestone. Although his tenure did not end as successfully as it began, he made considerable progress in certain areas. Had he maintained the same level of dedication to the game as at the start of his time with the AIFF, he might have accomplished something truly extraordinary for Indian football.

My homage to him is simple: He will be remembered for enhancing the organisation's internal capacity and drawing global focus to the sport. During his tenure, Indian football demonstrated promise and, on multiple occasions, a promising future, thanks to his work with his team and stakeholders and a harmonious working relationship with the president.