“The committee expressed its concern over the performance of the National team. It also expressed its unhappiness regarding the conduct and derogatory remarks made by Houghton,” said an AIFF release.
According to an AIFF spokesperson, the panel took exception to “the kind of statements” Houghton had been giving in the media.
“The Executive Committee has unanimously decided to seek legal opinion regarding its course of action,” the release said.
“It is about how to take disciplinary action against him after examining various clauses in the contract (with Houghton),” the spokesperson said.
The panel, presided over by AIFF President Praful Patel, also decided to allot the Santosh Trophy to Assam. The tournament will be held in April and May.
The daily allowance of the players participating in the tournament has been increased from Rs. 450 to 700 per day.
The winning team will take home Rs. 5 lakh, while the runner-up will be richer by Rs. 3 lakh. Prize money has also been increased for the Federation Cup. The champion will get Rs. 15 lakh, while the runner-up will gain Rs. 10 lakh.
The committee decided to allot the SAFF Championship to Orissa this year. It will be played in December.
Among other decisions, the next Nehru Cup will be held as part of the AIFF Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2012 and each member of the inaugural SAFF women's championship winning Indian team will be given Rs. 50,000.
Meanwhile, the AIFF has constituted its new referees' committee. Its members are: Amit Dev (chairman), K. Sankar, J. Ravi Shankar, Gautam Kar, Anthony D'Costa, Gulab Chauhan, Pradeep Nag and Inayutalla Khan.