Football Association of Odisha: Debashish Samantray’s exit & Samir Dey’s entry heat up sports politics 

After the change of government in Odisha, a lot of changes are also happening in the field of sports. 

In the latest, the Football Association of Odisha (FAO), once synonymous with the BJD, is now in the middle of political discussions. BJP leader Samir Dey has won the FAO president post uncontested, replacing BJD leader Debashish Samantray. 

Debashish had been the president of the FAO for the last five years. It was being discussed that he would contest the FAO election, which is scheduled to be held on July 21. The football club that had been nominating Debashish’s name didn’t send his name this time. On the other hand, Rising Students’ Club, a club nurtured by Ashirbad Behera, had sent Samir’s name. 

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Meanwhile, Debashish has resigned from his post. Even if personal issues are said to be the reason behind his resignation, the political equation is said to be the main contention. 

Yesterday was the last day for the withdrawal of nomination papers. And, besides other officials, Samir and Ashirbad were elected uncontested as president and secretary respectively. Their names will be announced officially on July 21. 

Samir said the BJP government will investigate into the alleged involvement of IAS officers in corruption in the sports field and take action. He also said that Pranab Prakash Das should resign from the post of president of OCA.

“The president of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) should resign on moral grounds for not working for the development of sports,” said Samir. 

After the FAO, all eyes are now set on the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA). Discussions have already started if BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das (Bobby Das) will relinquish his OCA president post. The OCA election was held on October 28, 2022, and Sanjay Behera and Pranab Prakash Das were elected as secretary and president respectively. 

Ashirbad Behera and his son Sanjay Behera were reportedly associated with BJD for a long period. In the 2019 elections, it was discussed that the party might field Ashirbad but if didn’t turn out so. Similarly, in the 2024 elections, Sanjay was aspiring to get a ticket for the Barabati-Cuttack seat. But it didn’t happen. 

“I am not a member of the BJD. I was helping them whenever they sought my help. Now if BJP seeks my cooperation, I will extend my help,” said Behera. 

When asked about Pranab Prakash Das’ resignation, Ashirbad Behera said he has been elected as the president and it is up to him to take any decision.