# AIFF defends pricing as Bengaluru fans warn of empty stands for Panama friendly

2026-09-17T16:42:20+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) faces a ticket-pricing revolt in Bengaluru ahead of India's September 25 friendly against Panama at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Bengaluru FC's fan club West Block Blues warned that Rs 2,999 West Block tickets could lead to "an empty stadium," comparing the price to Rs 699 for the last India match at that venue. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey separately announced 14,000 discounted tickets for Kolkata club members for the October friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay. Fans called the pricing "ridiculous" given India's slide to 138th in FIFA rankings and only two competitive wins at home in three years. AIFF told Sportstar it is looking into the Bengaluru pricing but noted that hosting a World Cup team like Panama is expensive. The federation also plans Fan Parks to screen matches in districts outside Kolkata. Sony will telecast all three friendlies.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Rediff focused on AIFF's discounted tickets and grassroots Fan Parks, framing the friendlies as a development opportunity. Sportstar ignored those details entirely, leading with fan backlash against Rs 2,999 West Block prices and quoting Bengaluru FC supporters calling the pricing "ridiculous." The Hindu's report covered the discount announcement neutrally, omitting the Bengaluru pricing dispute. The divergence reveals two distinct stories: the official rollout in Kolkata versus a price-access revolt in Bengaluru. The AIFF says it is looking into the Bengaluru pricing, so the real resolution to watch is whether the federation adjusts West Block prices before the September 25 Panama match.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/india-brazil-friendly-tickets-at-a-discounted-rate-for-local-club-members-and-fans-says-chaubey/article71477556.ece>
  leads with AIFF's discounted ticket plan, omits Bengaluru pricing backlash entirely
- rediff.com (neutral report) <https://www.rediff.com/sports/report/aiff-announces-discounted-tickets-for-india-friendlies/20260917.htm>
  frames friendlies as development boost, ignores fan criticism of pricing
- sportstar.thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/india-vs-panama-high-ticket-prices-controversy-ind-v-pan-international-friendly-kanteerava-stadium-bengaluru/article71477548.ece>
  leads with fan backlash over high ticket prices, frames AIFF as unresponsive

Tags: All India Football Federation, Brazil, India, Kalyan Chaubey, Kolkata, Salt Lake Stadium
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