Former KSFA President AR Khaleel no more

Former president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), AR Khaleel passed away at his residence in the early hours of today, May 10. Khaleel Saab, 91, popularly known within the football circle was the President of KSFA for 28 years. He was also a part of the AIFF Executive Committee and held various posts in the AIFF including Treasurer and Vice President till 2018. 

Khaleel represented the then Mysore state as a player and took over the reins of the Jawahar Union club as an administrator. He then became a member of the Bangalore District Football Association in 1953, took over as a Treasurer of the KSFA from 1961-81 and was later elevated to vice-president (1981-89). He became the president of the KSFA in 1989. 

After serving seven terms, Khaleel resigned from the position of KSFA President due to his failing health in early 2017.

 

KSFA President and AIFF Vice President Mr N A Haris, visited Khaleel’s residence on TV Road and paid his respects to the departed soul at 2.30 AM this morning.

 

“Khaleel sab had rendered yeoman service to football both at the national as well as the state and district level. He was a passionate football lover, former player, owned one of the city’s famous football club Jawahar Union FC and an astute administrator,” Mr Haris said.

The burial service took place today at 6 PM.

 

KSFA organize homage in memory of Pele

KSFA organised a homage event near the famous statue of Pele in Gowthampuran to mark the passing away of the football legend. The event took place today evening, 5.30 pm. 

Several current and former footballers attended the event along with various members of BDFA affiliated football club.  

Chaubey is AIFF President, NA Haris is Vice President

KSFA Press Release 

Mr. N A Haris, President, Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) was elected as the Vice President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after elections for the Executive Committee held at the Football House in Delhi on Friday, Sept 2.

While Mr Kalyan Chaubey representing Gujarat State defeated former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia 33-1 as the President of AIFF.

Mr N A Haris defeated Manvendra Singh, President of Rajasthan FA, 29-5 and Arunachal Pradesh’s Ajay Kipa got 32-1 against Andhra Pradesh’s Kosaraju Gopalakrishna for the Treasurer’s post.

Earlier 14 others representing various States were elected unopposed as Executive Committee members while four men and two women eminent players were co-opted into the Executive Committee members.

“I thank all the States who gave our panel an overwhelming verdict including for me as Vice President,” Mr N A Haris said.

“We have a huge task ahead of us as AIFF has gone through a tough phase in recent times and that will be our task to rebuild and repair the damage,” he said.

“ Huge credit for my victory also goes to all my team members in the KSFA whose hard work and success here in the State helped my election at the All India level,” he added.

“Focus on grassroots level football and empowering the States is something which Chaubey and I are keen on and we will listen to all States and then move forward with our agenda,” the Newly elected AIFF Vice President said.

KSFA General Secretary M. Satyanarayan, who played a key role in the success of the Chaubey-led panel said, “This result will usher in a new era for football in the State and the country. I am excited and so are the officials of all other States of the country.”

“Mr N A Haris’ victory will infuse fresh impetus into our State football and our State team of Officials will back him in all his endeavors at the national level,” Satya added.

 

The newly elected Executive Team of AIFF 
L-R:  Ajay Kipa (Treasurer), Kalyan Chaubey (President), and N A Haris (Vice-President)