AIFF to field two separate teams for FIFA ASEAN Cup

NEW DELHI, AUG 6 (PTI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday decided to field two separate teams for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup beginning late September and for the international friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata, a move opposed by former captain Bhaichung Bhutia.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup, to be held during the international friendly window of September 21 to October 6, was introduced by the global governing body to elevate football in Southeast Asia by providing high-quality, competitive international matches. India, China and Hong Kong were invited for the tournament. China, however, declined the offer.
India have been drawn into Group A of Division 1, or the Premier Division, for the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The Blue Tigers will face Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore in the group stage.
But the FIFA-sanctioned tournament’s dates clashed with the friendly match against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata.
“One of the principal decisions taken during the meeting was to confirm India’s participation in both — the men’s international friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil, scheduled to be played in Kolkata on October 3, 2026, and the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, 2026,” the AIFF said in a release after its executive committee meeting.
“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.
“Accordingly, the AIFF will formally notify FIFA that India will participate in both competitions by fielding separate squads for the match against Brazil and the FIFA ASEAN Cup.”
Bhutia, who attended Thursday’s AIFF Executive Committee meeting, objected to the proposal and said India must field the best team at the FIFA ASEAN Cup, saying it will be a very good chance to play against some of the Asian nations which are on par or at a little bit above India, and a rung below the continental heavyweights.
“I objected to the proposal. I said the first preference should be the FIFA ASEAN Cup. We should be part of that and play at that level. There will be very good level of competition against the likes of Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore. And then you will also get participation money and prize money if you go deep in the tournament.
“I am not against the Brazil match, to be watched by nearly one lakh people. But the timing is not right at all. We can always play against Brazil in future. We should have focussed on the FIFA ASEAN Cup and thought of sending the best team there.”