India, June 12 -- With India's 2027 AFC Asian Cup ambitions taking a massive hit on Tuesday, legendary footballer and ex-national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia has slammed the All India Football Federation. Bhutia blamed the AIFF for Indian football's current situation, and his comments came after the stunning 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

Substitute Stefan Pereira's stoppage time penalty proved to be the winner for Hong Kong as India are now bottom of Group C with one point in two matches. Singapore are on top with four points, followed by Hong Kong in second position and Bangladesh in third.

Speaking to PTI, Bhutia said, "It's very painful to see... we are definitely struggling now to even...