India vs Brazil: AIFF offers 14,000 discounted tickets to Kolkata clubs

AIFF has set aside more than 14,000 discounted tickets for supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting for India's friendly against Brazil in Kolkata. The move is aimed at drawing the city's football community into the stands as India prepare for rare Tier-1 tests against Brazil and Uruguay.India will face Brazil at Salt Lake Stadium on October 3. (Photo: Reuters, AIFF)The All India Football Federation has announced more than 14,000 discounted tickets for members and supporters of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting for India's much-anticipated friendly against Brazil. The move is aimed at bringing Kolkata's football community into the stands for one of the biggest games in Indian football in recent years.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. Speaking to the media in Kolkata on Thursday, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey explained how supporters of the city's three traditional giants can access the discounted tickets.“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 seats 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. The initiative comes after tickets in the general sale for the Brazil game sold out quickly, with public prices ranging from Rs 999 to Rs 15,000.KOLKATA'S FOOTBALL FANS GET A BOOSTThe AIFF is also planning to take the excitement beyond the city through fan parks across different districts. Chaubey said the initiative could give young academy players and supporters outside Kolkata an opportunity to experience the matches together on big screens. “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.The federation is also preparing for the arrival of Brazil, with a five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation having inspected the venue and match arrangements. Chaubey said the delegation gave a positive assessment of the preparations.BRAZIL, URUGUAY TEST BLUE TIGERSThere had been concerns over the Salt Lake Stadium pitch following the Durand Cup and the monsoon, but Chaubey 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 FIFA Tier-1 friendlies represent an unusual test for India, with all three opponents ranked inside the world's top 50. Brazil have never played a senior international in India, while 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.For Khalid Jamil's side, the fixtures offer a rare opportunity to test themselves against much higher-ranked opposition, while Kolkata's football fans will get a chance to watch Brazil and Uruguay on home soil.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 18, 2026 08:45 IST