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AIFF faces a dilemma: FIFA ASEAN Cup final clashes with a Brazil friendly. AIFF awaits FIFA’s response on fielding separate squads, as regulations may prevent it.
Arsene Wenger with AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey (AIFF Media)
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing a major scheduling dilemma over India’s participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, with the tournament final set to clash with a proposed high-profile friendly against Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.
The federation is now awaiting FIFA’s response on whether India can field separate squads for the two competitions.
“We’re awaiting a response from FIFA,” an AIFF official told PTI on Wednesday.
India have been drawn in Group A of Division 1, or the Premier Division, alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, with India set to play three group matches before the final on October 3.
The AIFF executive committee had decided at its August 6 meeting to participate in both competitions, with separate squads proposed for the ASEAN Cup and the Brazil friendly. However, that plan has run into a problem because FIFA regulations do not allow a country participating in a FIFA-sanctioned competition to field an Under-23 or second-string team.
That means India cannot simply send a reserve side to the ASEAN Cup while the senior team takes on Brazil in Kolkata.
The decision had also drawn criticism from India legend Bhaichung Bhutia, who argued that the country should field its strongest possible team in the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
The AIFF had defended its decision to play Brazil, describing the fixture as a “unique opportunity” for Indian players to gain exposure against one of the world’s strongest footballing nations. The federation had also said it would formally approach FIFA regarding its plan to use separate squads.
With the governing body yet to respond, the AIFF is now exploring ways to retain the Brazil fixture while ensuring India do not violate FIFA regulations.
A withdrawal from the ASEAN Cup could potentially lead to regulatory consequences, including a financial penalty, making the situation more complicated for the federation.
The scheduling problem could also continue into November, with proposed friendlies against New Zealand potentially clashing with the SAFF Championship.
For now, the AIFF is attempting to resolve the October conflict and finalise India’s international calendar while balancing competitive commitments with the opportunity to face Brazil.
August 12, 2026, 23:33 IST
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