AIFF offers more than 14,000 discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs for India v Brazil
The All India Football Federation on Thursday announced more than 14,000 discounted tickets for members and supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata for India's friendly against Brazil, in an effort to bring the city's football community into the stands for the match.
Seats for the allocation have been earmarked in the B2 and D2 sections of the middle tier behind the two goalposts and will also be available to clubs registered with the Indian Football Association; tickets in the general sale for the Brazil game sold out quickly, with public prices ranging from Rs 999 to Rs 15,000.
“If any club needs tickets, they can inform the IFA regarding how many tickets are required. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting will allocate a dedicated area on their stadium premises for ticket sales,” Chaubey said.
“This way, members or fans of the respective clubs can go directly to their club tent to collect their tickets. Clubs will request tickets through the IFA, which will manage the allocation at discounted rates,” he added.
The federation said it plans to extend match access beyond Kolkata via fan parks across districts so supporters and academy players outside the city can watch on big screens; Chaubey described this as part of promoting grassroots football. “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,” he said.
Preparations for Brazil's arrival included an inspection by a five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation, which Chaubey said gave a positive assessment of the venue and match arrangements; he acknowledged earlier concerns over the Salt Lake Stadium pitch following the Durand Cup and the monsoon but said the playing surface has improved and should be in better condition by October 3. The two practice grounds next to the stadium are also being prepared for the visiting teams.
The three fixtures are designated FIFA Tier-1 friendlies and, Chaubey noted, present an unusual test for India as all three opponents are ranked inside the world's top 50; Brazil have never played a senior international in India and Uruguay last faced India in Kolkata in 1982. “Don’t think India has ever played against such higher-ranked teams in the last 40 years. Have to look at the country’s long-term benefit,” Chaubey said.
AIFF said the matches will give Khalid Jamil's side a rare opportunity to measure themselves against higher-ranked opposition and allow Kolkata fans to see Brazil and Uruguay at home; India will face Panama on September 25 in Bengaluru before returning to Kolkata for meetings with Brazil on October 3 and Uruguay on October 6.
