Now Reading: India withdraws from FIFA ASEAN Cup for Brazil friendly
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India withdraws from FIFA ASEAN Cup for Brazil friendly
India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise their October 3 friendly against Brazil in Kolkata. AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan told PTI: “We have pulled out of…
The Story in Brief
India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise their October 3 friendly against Brazil in Kolkata. AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan told PTI: “We have pulled out of the FIFA ASEAN Cup since we can’t play both Brazil and FIFA ASEAN Cup.” India had accepted FIFA’s invitation and were drawn in Group A with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore for the September 21-October 6 tournament.
The AIFF had considered sending a developmental squad but opted to withdraw entirely. India failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and has struggled to arrange regular high-quality opposition. Reports suggest the federation is exploring friendlies against Cabo Verde and Iran, though no fixtures have been confirmed.
The Indian Opinion
Scheduling a friendly against Brazil while pulling out of a FIFA tournament is a bold trade-off. Some fans cheer the marquee name; others note India missed Asian Cup qualification and needs competitive matches, not just glamour friendlies. The AIFF should now confirm the rumoured friendlies against Cabo Verde and Iran. A single Brazil game does not build a team. Will the federation use the FIFA window for more than one high-profile exhibition?
Sources (4): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com, sportstar.thehindu.com, indiatvnews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
