NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Saturday decided to drop all charges, including that of racial abuse, against chief coach Bob Houghton, who also tendered his resignation ending his five-year stint with the national team.
In a statement, the AIFF said they have examined the reply filed by Houghton to their show cause notice and after an investigation they decided to withdraw all the charges levelled against the Englishman.
Houghton, in a quid pro quo, resigned and his tenure will end after this month.
"Based on the report of the inquiry committee, the AIFF feels that in the absence of any definitive and concrete evidence the allegations against Mr. Houghton cannot be sustained and therefore the AIFF agrees to withdraw all charges and allegations made against him," the AIFF statement read.
"However, Mr. Houghton, for his personal reasons, does not wish to continue working in India and in his position as the Head Coach of the Indian Football Team. Mr. Houghton has, therefore, tendered his resignation. His resignation is accepted by the AIFF. The parties have mutually agreed to terminate the employment contract of Mr. Houghton," the statement added.