Bhubaneswar : In a landmark move for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Akshay Rohatgi as the League Chief Operating Officer (COO)—the first dedicated COO role since leagues started in India nearly 30 years ago. Rohatgi’s appointment comes as the AIFF looks to streamline and professionalize league operations amid growing ambitions for the sport in the country.
Having served the AIFF since 2011 and currently heading competitions since August 2023, Rohatgi’s elevation to COO was widely anticipated. A senior AIFF official remarked, “The AIFF needs someone who could be the point of contact for all leagues. The leagues are growing, and we will soon have a new commercial partner. It’s vital to have someone with experience and knowledge at the helm.”
Rohatgi takes on a demanding role managing multiple divisions of the I-League and the Indian Women’s League (IWL). His immediate focus will be to convene an important meeting of all I-League clubs to chart the future direction of Indian football—a conversation especially crucial as the league faces uncertainty over relegation issues following appeals from Delhi FC and SC Bengaluru.
Beyond the boardrooms, the football community in Goa, where the news broke, buzzes with excitement. The same vibrant spirit seen in the bustling local street food scene—ranging from spicy Goan vindaloo to tasty sannas—mirrors the ferment around this new chapter in Indian football administration.
Rohatgi himself once reflected on his journey, highlighting the passion that fuels his work: “Overcoming challenges in match operations and supporting club growth has been a test of our resilience and teamwork. The future excites me, and I’m ready to take Indian football to new heights.”
As India’s football leagues steer into an era of new possibilities, Rohatgi’s role as COO promises a steady hand guiding the sport closer to global standards and stronger commercial footing.
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