Feisty Bhowmick rises to tackle IFA suspension

Bhowmick’s innovative ideas — a South African trainer, hi-tech equipment in the clubhouse and spending a month at a five-star hotel before a top tournament — have helped his club reap great success last year, especially winning an international tournament in Jakarta. Yet he’s been consistent in his criticism of the problems in the game at home. ‘‘It’s evident that I shouldn’t speak out against things that are wrong with Indian football. The only thing I recall saying in recent times is the word ‘ignorant’. I have called the IFA ignorant about modern football, and I stick by it. It doesn’t sound like a terribly offensive remark to me,”

Bhowmick hasn’t found himself short of supporters, including celebrated coach PK Banerjee. ‘‘The IFA should have considered the circumstances which forced Bhowmick to make the comments’’, he said. ‘‘His statements were in the interest of the club and soccer in general. Nobody can question his dedication to the game.’’

The question of whether the ban will actually serve Bhowmick better than the IFA is a moot one, one that Bhowmik replies to with a hearty laugh. ‘‘I don’t know. I guess you are right in a way, but more importantly, I guess the message is that no one should try to do things for the benefit of football.’’