New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has withdrawn the Indian men’s football team from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, choosing to prioritise its high profile international friendly against Brazil scheduled for October 3 in Kolkata.
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan confirmed that the federation decided it was not possible to participate in both competitions due to overlapping schedules. The move means India will miss the FIFA sanctioned tournament despite having previously accepted an invitation to compete as one of the non ASEAN nations.
India had been placed in Division 1 Group A alongside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with the tournament set to be held during the September 21 to October 6 FIFA international window. However, the confirmed fixture against Brazil at Salt Lake Stadium created a direct scheduling conflict, prompting the federation to withdraw.
The AIFF had earlier explored the possibility of sending a developmental squad to the ASEAN Cup while the senior team prepared for Brazil. It has now decided to use the international window to arrange additional friendly matches instead, with reports suggesting that Cabo Verde and Iran are among the teams being considered as potential opponents, although no official confirmation has been made.
The decision comes as India seeks stronger international exposure after failing to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
In a separate development, the bidding process for the 2026-27 Indian Super League media rights has reportedly received only one offer. The sole bidder is understood to be a digital streaming platform without a linear television channel, raising concerns over traditional TV coverage for the country’s premier football league.
The AIFF had issued the media rights tender in July following the adoption of a club led model for the ISL, while retaining responsibility for the league’s administrative and regulatory functions.