Kolkata: In an effort to broaden its competitive horizon beyond South Asia, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has accepted an invitation to participate as a guest team in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup. Concurrently, the AIFF is engaged in advanced discussions with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to facilitate a friendly match featuring the five-time World Cup champions against India in Kolkata on October 3.
Event Context
The AIFF is considering sending a secondary team to the ASEAN tournament in Indonesia due to scheduling conflicts with a friendly match, a move that has drawn criticism from former Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia. If FIFA rejects this arrangement, India may withdraw from the competition, where they are placed in a group with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Each participating team will receive $125,000, while the champion will earn a prize of $1 million.
An official revealed that the details of the FIFA ASEAN Cup were shared on July 27. At that time, legal experts were reviewing the contract nuances between the AIFF and CBF. While India has recently faced Malaysia and Singapore, opportunities to welcome a top-10 team are infrequent, prompting the executive committee to give priority to the friendly match, according to the official, who requested anonymity.
The AIFF’s budget has been approved, with deputy secretary-general Satyanarayan Muthyalu informing the committee of a projected ₹14 crore deficit if all events are executed in 2026-27. The federation stopped receiving its annual ₹50 crore payment after its deal with commercial partners expired last December. Nevertheless, no events have been canceled, and a new men’s under-20 tournament has been added.
Bhutia expressed concerns, stating, “In such a situation, should we commit to paying for the game against Brazil? What if things do not materialize and we are not reimbursed?”
Team Analysis
In a recent phone conversation with HT from New Delhi, Bhutia expressed his thoughts on the upcoming games, stating, “I see this as a valuable chance to secure at least three high-quality matches.” He questioned, “Why should India send a B team for this occasion while prioritizing the match against Brazil?” Although he supports the idea of friendly matches, he believes the timing is not appropriate. Bhutia added that he was the sole voice of dissent during the executive committee meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday.
Match Outlook
The executive committee has been informed that a payment for the upcoming friendly match is due this month. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) may cover this expense and subsequently seek reimbursement. Additional details were not disclosed.
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According to a committee member present at the meeting, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) plans to arrange several friendly matches to assist head coach Khalid Jamil and his team in their preparations for the upcoming match against Brazil.
