Joydeep ‘resigns’ as IFA secretary

Kolkata: Joydeep

Mukherjee

is understood to have resigned as the general secretary of the Indian Football Association on Thursday. Although there is no official word from either Mukherjee or the association, it has been learnt that he has expressed his desire to leave on “personal” and “health” grounds. However, Mukherjee — who remained mum over his move — wants to continue till June 16 to facilitate the organization of AFC Asian Cup final-round qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium next month. Mukherjee’s decision, though, came as a surprise to many. He accompanied

Bengal

’s Santosh Trophy contingent during a meet-and-greet session organized by Mohun Bagan club on Thursday afternoon, dropping no hints about his move a few hours later. However, Mukherjee has been in focus amid reports of a growing rift between him and some other “influential” members of the

IFA

dispensation. Earlier in December 2020, Mukherjee had also quit as the IFA secretary but later reversed his decision. It now remains to be seen if IFA president Ajit Banerjee accepts Mukherjee’s resignation or asks him to continue again. tnn