‘Why pay to play Brazil when Indian clubs are struggling to survive?’ Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia

Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Friday questioned the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) decision to pull out of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile friendly against Brazil, saying the reported R50-70 crore expenditure on the marquee fixture was difficult to justify at a time when the country's club football is grappling with a financial crisis.

India will face the record five-time world champions in a friendly slated to be played in Kolkata on October 3, with the AIFF choosing the invitational fixture over participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup - a tournament where strong regional sides such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore will offer India a more meaningful competitive environment - following a scheduling clash.

"If Brazil were coming free of cost to play a free friendly match, I have no problem with that. But to pay Brazil R50-70 crore to come and play a friendly in India at this moment, the timing is not right. The timing is completely wrong. Why do you want to pay so much at a moment when ISL clubs are shutting down and I-League clubs are struggling to pay their entry fees?" Questioned Bhutia.

Oct 3
The date when India is scheduled to play a friendly fixture against five-time world champions Brazil in Kolkata

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