The reported deficit is equivalent to approximately Tk 1.12 billion in Bangladeshi currency, putting considerable pressure on the federation’s finances. The situation has also triggered disagreements among its members over how the financial shortfall should be addressed.
To cover the losses, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey proposed withdrawing funds from the federation’s fixed deposits (FDs). However, the proposal faced opposition from several members and was ultimately blocked at a Special General Body Meeting (SGBM).
The three friendlies were organised as part of India’s efforts to bring prominent international teams to the country during the FIFA international window. Hosting Brazil and Uruguay, two of the most recognisable names in world football, was expected to generate significant interest among Indian supporters. Panama were also included in the programme.
However, the financial consequences of the arrangements have proved considerably more challenging than anticipated. The reported losses have raised questions about the federation’s financial planning and its ability to manage the costs associated with high-profile international fixtures.
A senior official of a state football association, speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI) on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Chaubey had proposed breaking the federation’s fixed deposits to meet the financial shortfall.
According to the official, the AIFF president told members that he wanted to withdraw money from the fixed deposits to cover the deficit arising from the organisation of the international friendlies. Chaubey also reportedly said he would arrange funds from external sources and return the withdrawn money to the deposits at a later stage.
The proposal, however, did not receive the support he had hoped for. Several federation members reportedly expressed reservations about using the AIFF’s accumulated financial reserves to cover expenses linked to the matches.
Their concern is that fixed deposits should remain protected except in emergencies. Such reserves provide financial security and can help an organisation meet unexpected obligations. Using them to address losses from sporting events, members believe, could weaken the federation’s financial position.
The meeting also failed to provide members with a precise breakdown of the losses. The senior state association official said the exact financial details could not be disclosed because of confidentiality clauses in the agreements governing the matches’ financial arrangements.
As a result, members were not given a comprehensive account of the expenditure or the specific factors behind the reported deficit of 800 million to 850 million rupees. The lack of detailed information has added another layer of concern to the debate over the proposed withdrawal.
AIFF vice-president N.A. Haris also opposed the move during the online meeting. He reportedly pointed out that the federation’s executive committee had already decided not to break its fixed deposits.
His objection underlined the disagreement within the organisation over whether the president’s proposal was consistent with the executive committee’s earlier decision. It also raised questions about the decision-making process surrounding the use of the federation’s financial reserves.
Hosting internationally renowned national teams can bring considerable attention to Indian football. Matches involving Brazil and Uruguay have the potential to attract supporters, strengthen the sport’s visibility and provide domestic audiences with opportunities to watch elite international football.
However, such events also require careful financial planning. Organisers must consider hosting expenses, contractual commitments and potential commercial returns before undertaking costly international arrangements. Without adequate financial safeguards, even prestigious fixtures can become a burden on the organising body.
For the AIFF, the immediate challenge is to find an alternative way to cover the reported losses without compromising its fixed deposits. With the proposal to withdraw the reserves facing resistance, the federation will need to explore other funding options.
The controversy has also highlighted the importance of financial transparency and accountability when organising major international sporting events. Whether the AIFF can resolve the deficit without further internal disagreement remains an important question for the federation.
