AIFF defends Brazil clash, rubbishes claims of ASEAN Cup penalty claims

The AIFF has stood by its decision to prioritise India's Brazil friendly, while rejecting claims of a predetermined financial penalty for withdrawing from the ASEAN Cup and questioning unverified figures surrounding its finances.The federation called the Brazil fixture a mutually agreed sporting opportunity. (Photo: PTI)The All India Football Federation has defended its decision to prioritise India's high-profile friendly against Brazil over participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. The federation also rejected claims that pulling out of the tournament has resulted in a predetermined financial penalty.India withdrew from the ASEAN Cup last week after its schedule clashed with the Brazil friendly, which will be played at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on October 3. Speaking about the criticism surrounding the decision, the AIFF said the fixture against the five-time world champions was approved through the appropriate institutional processes."The match will give a morale boost to the Indian national team while driving fans towards Indian football, the impact of which is unquantifiable," the AIFF said."The match is a mutually agreed international sporting opportunity between two football federations and should not be portrayed as a one-sided arrangement," it added. The ASEAN Cup runs from September 21 to October 6, leaving India unable to participate in the competition while also preparing for the Brazil fixture. The decision to withdraw had subsequently led to questions within the Indian football fraternity over the sporting and financial implications of choosing a friendly over a competitive tournament.AIFF REJECTS PENALTY CLAIMSThe federation dismissed suggestions that India's withdrawal had automatically resulted in a financial fine. The AIFF condemned what it described as "incorrect claims that its decision not to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 has resulted in a predetermined financial penalty or fine".It also raised concerns over figures being circulated regarding its finances."The AIFF is also concerned about the public circulation of unverified figures and claims regarding its finances without any supporting basis or documentation," the federation said.The AIFF maintained that criticism of its decisions was part of the wider discussion around Indian football, but said any claims concerning its finances or use of funds needed to be backed by verifiable information.AIFF WARNS OF LEGAL ACTIONThe federation went a step further and warned that it could take legal action if it believed false claims continued to be circulated."The AIFF respects the democratic right to express opinions on Indian football. However, statements concerning the Federation's finances and use of funds must be based on facts and verifiable information," it said.The AIFF added that the circulation of factually incorrect statements could adversely affect India's reputation and standing, both domestically and internationally."We believe those who have made these claims have the best interests of Indian football in mind and may be misinformed," the federation said.However, it added that if the concerned individuals continued to circulate what it described as incorrect claims, the AIFF would consider "appropriate legal remedies" against those knowingly publishing or circulating false and defamatory statements.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 20, 2026 07:45 IST