Houghton quits as India coach
Reuters - Saturday 23 April 2011, 12:08
MUMBAI - India's national team coach Bob
Houghton has resigned after racism charges levelled against him
were dropped, the country's football federation said on Saturday.
Houghton, who took over in 2006 and had a contract running
to 2013, described as "nonsensical" a report claiming he had
made a racist remark to a match official during India's friendly
against Yemen last year.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) conducted internal
investigations and found no concrete evidence against the
63-year old Englishman, who has also coached the national teams
of China and Uzbekistan among others.
"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," an AIFF statement said.
"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."