Indian football legend Bhaichung Bhutia has criticised the decision to withdraw India from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup and prioritise a high-profile friendly against Brazil. The former captain questioned the reported ₹50-70 crore cost of bringing Brazil to India. He argued that the money could instead support struggling Indian clubs and long-term football development. India’s withdrawal was confirmed after the Brazil fixture created a scheduling clash with the ASEAN Cup.
The former striker specifically highlighted East Bengal’s financial problems despite their qualification for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage. “East Bengal have qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 but they are struggling with money,” he said. “Why not Kalyan request the Bengal government to come and support East Bengal with Rs 10-20 crores so that they make a good team and go and perform in the Champions League.” He added, “If they can play quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, we will have teams like Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo is playing in Saudi, and they would come and play automatically without paying anything.”
The outspoken former India captain further said, “That is why we need to look at long-term development. The timing of the Brazil match with India is completely wrong at the moment, and skipping the FIFA ASEAN Cup is just a bad, bad decision.”
“What are we looking to achieve out of this match?”: Bhaichung Bhutia questions India’s Brazil friendly and ASEAN Cup clash
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has questioned the decision to host Brazil in a high-profile international friendly. Brazil are scheduled to face India at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on October 3. The five-time world champions are currently ranked fifth globally. However, the Indian football icon believes the country should prioritise fixing its domestic structure. “I’m not saying they should not come, but at this point, given the condition of Indian football, what are we looking to achieve out of this match?” the veteran footballer said.
The former Indian skipper also questioned the timing because India are scheduled to participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup between September 24 and October 4. “The date, too, I think, should be changed because you may not have the first team playing because it would be in the FIFA ASEAN Cup,” he said. “Are they going to play with a second team, that too against Brazil?” the seasoned campaigner added. He further stressed, “At this moment, I think the focus should be on getting the restructuring right.” The outspoken footballing legend compared hosting Brazil to bringing a celebrity to a struggling family’s wedding, arguing that resources should instead strengthen Indian football’s foundations. His concerns come amid Jamshedpur FC opting out of the ISL and India’s FIFA ranking slipping to around 140.
