The Blue Tigers were among the few teams invited by FIFA to take part in the inaugural ASEAN Cup to be held from September 24, and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has withdrawn from the event.
Team India was grouped alongside Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia for the event to be held in Indonesia and Hong Kong.
What led to India’s withdrawal?
According to the AIFF, the withdrawal was to prioritise the team’s friendly against Brazil. As the FIFA event’s schedule overlapped with the date of the friendly against Brazil. The federation has already conveyed its decision to FIFA.
"We have pulled out of the FIFA ASEAN Cup since we can't play both Brazil and FIFA ASEAN Cup," All India Football Federation (AIFF) deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan told PTI.
Earlier, the AIFF had planned to participate in both the events by sending two separate squads. It's learnt that the federation decided it would not be feasible to send two separate full-strength squads as FIFA does not allow it. It is also understood that the AIFF has written to FIFA explaining the reasons for its withdrawal.
On October 3, India will play against Brazil at Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium, Kolkata.
According to PTI, India is exploring friendlies against teams that featured at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Cabo Verde and Iran among the sides being discussed. However, those fixtures have not yet been officially confirmed by the AIFF.
