Boycott friendly vs Brazil for the sake of India's football: Bhaichung Bhutia

Brazil are scheduled to face India at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium on October 3, after the AIFF withdrew India from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup because of a scheduling clash. Speaking to 420 Grams, Bhutia argued that the reported expenditure on the friendly would.

I hope the Bengal government becomes sensible enough to realise that they are being misguided by Kalyan Chaubey. Bhutia argued that the reported expenditure could have a greater long-term impact if invested in Bengal's sporting infrastructure and athletes.

What Happened

He pointed to the state's performance at the Commonwealth Games and suggested a broader development programme. He also suggested using the money to create futsal facilities across the state.

• If ₹50 to 70 crore for one 90-minute match is going to Brazil, then what are we getting in return?

• "So, when you have ₹30 crore, please invest it over the next four years to have 10 medals in Commonwealth Games."

• With ₹30 crore, make 100 futsal grounds.

Key Details

At least seven-a-side futsal grounds are going to come in 100 grounds in different districts.

• "If ₹50 crore is gone from Bengal, East Bengal will have no investors and no sponsors for the next five years because the money is not there in the market."

• The AIFF has maintained that the Brazil fixture was approved through the appropriate institutional processes and has rejected claims about the cost and use of federation funds, with one federation official publicly asking Bhutia.

• Bhutia's comments come amid wider uncertainty in Indian football, with clubs facing financial pressures and the ISL's future having gone through prolonged uncertainty.

Why It Matters

He added that clubs such as East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting could suffer if significant funds were directed towards the friendly rather than the domestic game.

• The former India captain also linked the Brazil fixture to the financial difficulties facing domestic clubs, warning that large spending on one match could have consequences for teams already struggling to attract investment.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge