Overview
- The AIFF Executive Committee decided Thursday to inform FIFA that India will attempt to play both the Brazil friendly in Kolkata on October 3 and the FIFA ASEAN Cup by sending two separate squads.
- AIFF officials told members that FIFA has already rejected a prior request to send a second‑string or U‑23 team, and FIFA rules that limit matches in a single international window create a clear regulatory hurdle.
- The federation approved an advance payment to the agency organising the Brazil match and the West Bengal government has pledged substantial logistical and financial support for the fixture.
- Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia publicly opposed prioritising the Brazil game, arguing India should send its first‑choice team to the ASEAN Cup for competitive development and the tournament’s participation and prize money.
- The outcome now depends on FIFA’s formal response and on whether commercially secured sponsorships and reimbursements fully underwrite the Brazil fixture without worsening AIFF’s reported budget shortfall.