In a recent statement,
D B Sundara Ramam, vice-president of Corporate Services at Tata Steel, reiterated that the decision to exit the league is final and unrelated to the league's commercial viability. Nevertheless, Chaubey remains optimistic that Tata might reconsider its stance. “AIFF would be happy if Tata remains in football, especially in senior top-tier football. If an AIFF request or application can change their mind, we would like to appeal for the interest of the players and football,” he stated in an interview with PTI.
Commitment to Football Development
Chaubey acknowledged that Tata Steel has committed to honoring all existing player contracts and assisting footballers in securing new opportunities. He believes that the decision to withdraw from the league stems from factors beyond mere financial considerations. “It’s all about some decision in the boardroom. I’m sure there are reasons, but it cannot be solely about the Rs 1.1 crore participation fee or management fee,” he explained. He expressed confidence that the Tata group had valid reasons for making such a significant decision, despite being aware of the potential backlash from football fans.
The former Indian goalkeeper also highlighted Tata's historical contributions to Indian football, particularly through the
Reflections on the Tata Football Academy
Recalling his experiences at TFA, Chaubey shared a challenging period in the early 1990s when the academy's future was uncertain. “There were rumors that TFA would be shut down, but after our success in tournaments in Germany and the Netherlands, the situation changed,” he noted. He credited the support from Tata's London office and the leadership of coaches like PK Banerjee for the academy's survival and growth.
Chaubey reflected on the academy's impact on his career and its broader influence on Indian football, stating, “I learned football through Tata Football Academy. Since 1987, over 275 players have graduated from TFA, and I am proud to be one of them.” His sentiments underscore the vital role that Tata has played in nurturing football talent in India.
