AIFF offers discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs ahead of India friendlies with Panama, Brazil and Uruguay
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey on Thursday outlined discounted ticketing arrangements in Kolkata for West Bengal clubs ahead of India's FIFA Tier 1 friendlies against Panama on September 25, Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6. He spoke at a press meet where he addressed access for members and supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting.
Chaubey said the Indian Football Association (IFA) will act as the nodal point for ticket allocation and invited clubs to submit their requirements through the IFA. “If any club needs tickets, they can inform through the IFA regarding how many tickets are required. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting will allocate a dedicated area in their stadium premises where ticket sales will be arranged. This way, the members or fans of the respective clubs can directly go to their club tent to collect their tickets,” he said. “Clubs will request tickets through the IFA, which will manage the allocation at discounted rates.”
More than 14,000 seats in the middle tier behind both goalposts, in the B2 and D2 sections, will be made available to IFA-registered clubs and the three major Kolkata clubs at discounted rates. The allocation covers those middle-tier sections specifically behind the two goalposts and is intended for club members and local supporters.
The AIFF also plans to establish Fan Parks across districts to broaden match access outside Kolkata. “On promoting grassroots football, while AIFF’s direct reach is limited, we propose creating Fan Parks across districts so young academy kids and fans outside Kolkata can watch the matches together on big screens,” Kalyan Chaubey said to the members of the press.
Chaubey provided an update on preparations for the India-Brazil fixture, saying a five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation visited Kolkata to inspect the arrangements and the ongoing work at the stadium. “I am glad to inform you that they gave a very positive report,” Chaubey said, and he added that the two practice grounds adjacent to the stadium are being prepared ahead of the high-profile fixture.
He acknowledged initial concerns about the condition of the pitch after extensive use during the Durand Cup and the monsoons, but said the field is now in much better shape and is expected to improve further. Those remedial works form part of the broader stadium preparations noted to the press.
Clubs are instructed to request tickets through the Indian Football Association (IFA), with dedicated areas at their respective premises to be used for ticket distribution and sales ahead of the Panama (September 25), Brazil (October 3) and Uruguay (October 6) friendlies.
