Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Discounted India-Brazil Tickets Struggle Despite AIFF Sales Push
The All India Football Federation wanted more people to attend India’s football match against Brazil.
It gave some clubs and the Indian Football Association tickets to sell at a discount.
But very few tickets were requested or sold through those groups.
One club sold only 90 of its 6,000 tickets.
Some tickets available online were cheaper even without the special discount.
A sponsor also offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal to its customers.
Organizers still think the Brazil match could have many spectators.
However, officials are unsure whether a full stadium would result from normal sales or free tickets.
They are also worried that fans may not pay for another match against Uruguay three days later.
AIFF’s discounted ticket distribution through three Kolkata clubs and the IFA has drawn limited demand.
Mohun Bagan sold only 90 of 6,000 allocated tickets, while the IFA received 24 requests from its affiliated units.
East Bengal requisitioned 400 of 4,000 tickets, while Mohammedan Sporting reported a similarly poor response.
Club officials questioned the appeal of ₹5,400 discounted tickets when lower-priced tickets were available online.
A sponsor’s buy-one-get-one offer and low attendance at India’s Panama match added to concerns about ticket demand.
- Who
- The All India Football Federation, the Indian Football Association, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan Athletic Club, Mohammedan Sporting, and supporters of India’s football team.
- What
- A discounted ticket-selling plan for the India-Brazil friendly has received a weak response.
- When
- The match is scheduled for October 3; the reported ticket figures were available by Monday evening, and the Uruguay friendly is three days later.
- Where
- The India-Brazil match is associated with Salt Lake Stadium, while the referenced Panama match was played at Sree Kanteraava Stadium in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The All India Football Federation introduced the discount to increase ticket sales, but officials said prices, cheaper online tickets, competing promotions, and the Durga Puja month may be limiting demand.
AIFF and Organizers
Club Officials and Critics
Purpose of the discount
AIFF and Organizers
The AIFF expected distributing discounted tickets through major clubs and the IFA to improve sales for the Brazil friendly.
Club Officials and Critics
Club sources said the plan was unattractive because ₹5,400 tickets remained more expensive than lower-denomination tickets available through the online app.
Expected match attendance
AIFF and Organizers
The Brazil match could still draw a large crowd at Salt Lake Stadium despite the weak response through clubs and the IFA.
Club Officials and Critics
Critics said a full stadium might include free-loaders or promotional attendees and would not prove that regular ticket demand is strong.
Outlook for the Uruguay match
AIFF and Organizers
The available reports leave open the possibility of strong attendance for the Brazil match.
Club Officials and Critics
Officials questioned whether fans would pay for both matches, especially during the Durga Puja month, and expressed concern about the Uruguay friendly three days later.
- India-Brazil match
- Scheduled for October 3 at Salt Lake Stadium.
- Mohun Bagan allocation
- 6,000 tickets allocated; 90 sold according to the report.
- Indian Football Association allocation
- 2,000 tickets allocated; 24 requests received from affiliated units.
- East Bengal allocation
- 4,000 tickets allocated; 400 requisitioned.
- Mohammedan Sporting allocation
- 3,000 tickets allocated; the exact number sold was not disclosed.
- Discounted price
- Tickets priced at ₹6,000 were to be sold at a reported 10% discount, or ₹5,400.
- Panama match attendance
- Official attendance was 9,039 at Sree Kanteraava Stadium in Bengaluru.