Archive · 6 Oct 2026
AIFF Faces Questions Over Costly Friendlies as Uruguay Tickets Slashed
India’s football federation arranged friendly matches against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Some federation members questioned why three games were planned and how much they would cost.
One official said the reported total spending was about ₹85 crore.
The federation’s president, Kalyan Chaubey, defended playing Brazil, saying it would be a special experience for players and fans.
Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia had favored playing Asian teams instead.
Many tickets for the Brazil match were reportedly hard to sell, and complimentary passes were given out.
Tickets for the Uruguay match were cut from ₹1,999 to ₹199.
An AIFF official said the matches were meant to raise the team’s profile.
AIFF members questioned the decision to stage three international friendlies and the reported costs.
The matches were against Panama, Brazil, and Uruguay, with a reported total cost of around ₹85 crore.
A state association official said members were not informed about expenses; Chaubey reportedly said AIFF was not spending its own money.
Bhutia favored playing Asian teams in the ASEAN Cup, while Chaubey defended the Brazil match as a special experience.
After weak ticket sales for Brazil, complimentary passes were issued and Uruguay tickets were cut from ₹1,999 to ₹199.
- Who
- The All India Football Federation (AIFF), its president Kalyan Chaubey, and members of its executive committee and general body.
- What
- AIFF members questioned the decision and reported costs of three international friendlies; Uruguay match ticket prices were reduced to ₹199.
- When
- The questions were raised at meetings on Sunday; the Uruguay match was scheduled for Tuesday. The article does not specify calendar dates for these events.
- Where
- The matches were scheduled in Bengaluru and at Salt Lake Stadium; the meetings concerned the AIFF.
- Why
- Some members questioned the matches’ costs, lack of prior disclosure, and choice of opponents; an AIFF official said the games were intended to raise the team’s profile.
Critics of the friendlies
Supporters of the friendlies
Choice of opponents
Critics of the friendlies
Some AIFF members questioned hosting three friendlies, and Bhaichung Bhutia favored playing Asian teams such as Indonesia and Malaysia in the ASEAN Cup.
Supporters of the friendlies
Kalyan Chaubey defended the Brazil match as a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Indian players and fans.
Spending and disclosure
Critics of the friendlies
A state association official questioned why members were not informed about the expenses, which were reported to total around ₹85 crore.
Supporters of the friendlies
Chaubey reportedly said AIFF was not paying from its own pocket, while an AIFF official said the matches were needed to raise the team’s profile.
- Reported total cost
- Around ₹85 crore for the three friendlies
- Brazil match appearance fee
- Around ₹45 crore
- Uruguay match appearance fee
- Around ₹18 crore
- Uruguay ticket price
- Slashed from ₹1,999 to ₹199
- Brazil match
- Played on Saturday; extra complimentary passes were issued
- Upcoming match
- Uruguay at Salt Lake Stadium on Tuesday
- AIFF election day
- Set for December 20