Kushal Das, former Indian football general secretary, dies at 66

Veteran sports administrator and former All India Football Federation (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das, who played a key role in organising the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup in India, passed away in New Delhi on Friday. He was 66.

Das is survived by his wife and two sons.

He served as the general secretary of the AIFF for 12 years before stepping down in 2022 due to unspecified health reasons. During his tenure, he oversaw several major developments in Indian football administration and helped secure hosting rights for multiple international tournaments.

Das breathed his last at a private hospital in the capital, according to football administrator Shaji Prabhakaran, who succeeded him as AIFF’s full-time secretary general in 2022 after former I-League CEO Sunando Dhar



briefly served as acting general secretary.

“Former AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das passed away this morning at a private hospital in Delhi. Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Om Shanti,” Prabhakaran wrote on X.

The AIFF later issued a statement expressing condolences on the passing of its former official.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said Das had played a significant role in the administration and development of Indian football.

“His efforts towards Indian football will always be remembered. On behalf of the entire Indian football fraternity, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” Chaubey said.