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AIFF Plans Separate Squads for Brazil Friendly and ASEAN Cup
The AIFF executive committee has decided to field separate India squads for the FIFA ASEAN Cup and the October 3 friendly against Brazil in Kolkata, according to The New Indian Express. The…
The Story in Brief
The AIFF executive committee has decided to field separate India squads for the FIFA ASEAN Cup and the October 3 friendly against Brazil in Kolkata, according to The New Indian Express. The federation will formally seek FIFA approval. The ASEAN Cup dates differ across reports, with The New Indian Express listing September 21 to October 3, while Times of India and Times Now News report September 24 to October 3.
Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia opposed prioritising the Brazil match, arguing that the ASEAN Cup offers three competitive games, participation money and a potential winners’ prize. India are grouped with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. FIFA had reportedly rejected an earlier request to send a second-string side. AIFF faces financial pressure after losing its annual Rs 50 crore commercial payment, while the West Bengal government is expected to fund more than Rs 70 crore of the Brazil fixture, according to Times Now News.
The Indian Opinion
The lazy story is that a Brazil visit automatically makes this the right football decision. The opposite claim, that any friendly is wasteful, is also too simple. India need exposure, but they also need meaningful competitive games against teams closer to their level. The practical test is whether FIFA approves separate squads and whether AIFF publishes the Brazil contract, including the reported Rs 38 crore appearance fee and reimbursement terms.
Sources (5): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, newindianexpress.com, timesnownews.com, timesnownews.com (2), hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 5 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 5 sources.
