It has come to light that All India Football Federation (AIFF) splurged Rs 16,00,000 on an astrology agency which it had hired to "motivate" the national team side, which confirmed its berth in the 24-team AFC Asian Cup Final.
The Sunil Chhetri-led side topped the Group to qualify. "A motivator was appointed for the National team ahead of the Asian Cup. Later on, it came to light that the company which was engaged, was an astrological firm," a team insider said.
"Plainly-speaking, an astrologer was appointed to motivate the team. Huge payment to the tune of Rs 16,00,000 was made," the source claimed. The astrological firm apparently took three sessions with the Blue Tigers but a Kolkata-based player said: "At least I've not heard of this as I joined the team late."
Former India goalkeeper Tanumoy Bose ridiculed the idea and hit out at the AIFF for becoming a laughing stock. "At a time when the AIFF repeatedly failed to conduct proper youth leagues, and many prestigious tournaments were forced to shut down, incidents like this will further tarnish the image of Indian football," Bose said.