AIFF prioritises Brazil friendly as India’s women footballers face calendar chaos

Times Now reports that the All India Football Federation's women's football calendar remains in disarray even as it spends an estimated Rs 70-90 crore to host five-time World Cup winners Brazil for a friendly. The Indian Women's League, which completes its ninth season this year, has never been held in the same period twice, leaving players and clubs unable to plan their season.

Misaka United captain Tarini Kumar told Times Now the league feels like a "haphazard checkbox with no certainty." The IWL 2, due from July 9 to August 22, has not started and has no new dates. Even the IWL, tentatively set for September to January, may face similar delays. Players often have to play five matches in ten days, and state leagues like the Karnataka Women's League are seen as more consistent.

The AIFF has not released a formal calendar for either competition. Kumar said the lack of a schedule makes it impossible for players to commit to teams or for clubs to arrange sponsorship or pre-season camps. The Brazil friendly, which also led to the men's team withdrawing from the FIFA ASEAN Cup, risks a fine from FIFA if the match falls through.