Five-Time World Champions Brazil Steal India From FIFA ...
The AIFF said the clash with Brazil makes the tournament impossible, while critics argue the friendly will cost Rs 50-70 crore.
- On Thursday, the All India Football Federation withdrew from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritize a high-profile friendly against five-time world champion Brazil on October 3 at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium.
- India was originally drawn in Division 1 Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, but the commitment to play Brazil on October 3 created a scheduling clash during the September 21-October 6 FIFA international window.
- Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Friday questioned the decision, arguing the reported Rs 50-70 crore expenditure is the 'wrong priority' while domestic clubs struggle financially and the national team's FIFA ranking has slid to around 140.
- Bhutia further criticized AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and federation leadership for lacking passion and management experience, describing the current state of Indian football as a 'disaster after disaster' requiring long-term rebuilding.
- Upcoming elections later this year offer hope for a new governing body, while the national team prepares for a maiden tour of New Zealand in November as an opportunity for ranking points and player experience.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Brazil game a priority, India withdraws from FIFA ASEAN Cup
India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a friendly match against Brazil..India FIFA ASEAN Cup withdrawal, India withdraws from ASEAN Cup, AIFF, M Satyanarayanan, India vs Brazil friendly, Brazil friendly Kolkata, Salt Lake Stadium Brazil match, India football news, FIFA ASEAN Cup, inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, India international friendlies, India football schedule, FIFA international window, India Brazil October 3, ASEA…
‘Bad decision’: Bhutia slams AIFF over FIFA ASEAN Cup exit
Kolkata: Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Friday, August 14, questioned the AIFF’s decision to pull out of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile friendly against Brazil, saying the reported Rs 50-70 crore expenditure on the marquee fixture was difficult to justify at a time when the country’s club football is grappling with a financial crisis. India will face the record five-time world champions in a friendly slated i…
Kalyan Chaubey misleading government: Bhutia slams AIFF for snubbing FIFA event
Bhaichung Bhutia has criticised the AIFF's decision to prioritise a Brazil friendly and pull India out of the FIFA ASEAN Cup. He said the reported spending would be hard to justify amid Indian football's financial strain and shrinking competitive opportunities.
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