The AIFF has confirmed it will field two separate India squads during the September-October FIFA international window after a scheduling clash left the national team committed to two major assignments at the same time.
The decision, approved during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting on Thursday, allows India to honour its participation in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup while also hosting five-time world champions Brazil in what is set to be one of the biggest fixtures in Indian football history.
Brazil friendly and ASEAN Cup fall on the same FIFA window
The scheduling conflict stems from the FIFA ASEAN Cup running from September 24 to October 3 in Indonesia, while India are due to host Brazil in Kolkata on October 3.
With both competitions falling inside the same FIFA international window, the AIFF has opted to split its player pool rather than withdraw from either commitment.
According to the federation, India will formally inform FIFA that it intends to participate in both events with independent squads.
The move is expected to allow many of the senior players to feature in the marquee clash against Brazil, while another squad competes in Indonesia.
ASEAN Cup offers valuable competitive exposure
The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup has been introduced to provide stronger international competition for Southeast Asian nations, with India and Hong Kong invited alongside ASEAN member nations after China declined its invitation.
India have been drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with the tournament viewed as an important opportunity to prepare players for future AFC competitions.
Rather than treating the competition as secondary, the AIFF has chosen to preserve its participation while ensuring the Brazil friendly also goes ahead.
AIFF also confirms Bibiano Fernandes’ appointment
The Executive Committee also approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as head coach of India’s U-15 men’s team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan, subject to his acceptance.
The meeting also cleared the federation’s 2026-27 budget and directed all state associations to adopt the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 before the prescribed deadline.
The decision to field two squads reflects the AIFF’s attempt to balance competitive development with the commercial and sporting significance of bringing Brazil to India during the same international window.