AIFF seeks FIFA clearance after Brazil friendly in Kolkata clashes with ASEAN Cup final

The All India Football Federation is seeking FIFA approval after a proposed friendly against Brazil in Kolkata on October 3 conflicts with the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup final in Indonesia on the same day. "We're awaiting a response from FIFA," an AIFF official told PTI on Wednesday.

India have been drawn in Group A of Division 1 (Premier Division) alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore for the tournament scheduled in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3; India's schedule comprises three group-stage matches followed by the final on October 3. The AIFF executive committee decided at its August 6 meeting to take part in both the ASEAN Cup and the Brazil friendly, planning separate squads for each engagement, a move that was opposed by Indian icon Bhaichung Bhutia, who said India must field the best team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup. The federation also said it would formally notify FIFA of its plan to field separate squads.

FIFA regulations do not allow a participating country to field an Under-23 or second-string team in a FIFA-sanctioned competition. This rule means India cannot dispatch a reserve side to the ASEAN Cup while its senior players are occupied with the Brazil match in Kolkata on October 3.

After the executive committee meeting the AIFF described the Brazil fixture in positive terms, saying: "The Executive Committee recognised the match against Brazil, to be played during the FIFA International Match Window, as a unique opportunity to provide Indian players with invaluable exposure against one of the world's strongest footballing nations." The federation has expressed a desire to preserve that opportunity while seeking FIFA guidance.

The AIFF is understood to be keen to retain the Brazil fixture and is also exploring other international friendlies to ensure the senior team receives adequate match exposure. Officials have warned that a withdrawal from the ASEAN Cup could trigger regulatory action from FIFA, including a financial penalty.

The scheduling dilemma could extend beyond October, with proposed friendlies against New Zealand potentially clashing with the SAFF Championship in November. For now the AIFF is working to resolve the October clash, awaiting FIFA's formal reply to its notification and finalising India's international calendar while aiming to maximise senior-team exposure.