The All India Football Federation (AIFF) organized a grand event by inviting two of the world’s most powerful football teams, Brazil and Uruguay. However, the federation is now under pressure to meet the financial obligations of that spectacular event. They have not yet been able to pay the full remuneration for hosting the matches of the two teams. The outstanding amount is approximately 23 crore rupees.
India played against five-time world champions Brazil on November 3 and former world champions Uruguay on November 6. Both matches were held in Kolkata. Prior to this, India also played a friendly match against Panama in Bengaluru on September 25. While Panama has been paid in full, reports indicate that Brazil and Uruguay have so far received only half of their due payments.
According to the report, AIFF owes Brazil approximately 19 crore rupees, and Uruguay is due about 4.7 crore rupees. The federation had expected to earn 30 to 40 crore rupees from these matches. However, they have fallen into financial crisis due to not receiving the anticipated revenue from ticket sales.
Due to high ticket prices, spectator interest was not as expected. Later, tickets were sold at a discount for supporters of Kolkata’s three major clubs – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan. An offer was even launched for the Brazil match where buying one ticket would get another free.
In this situation, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey proposed breaking a 20 crore rupee fixed deposit before its maturity to clear the outstanding dues. However, members at the federation’s meeting opposed this proposal, arguing that fixed deposit funds should not be used except for urgent necessities.
Federation Vice-President N.A. Haris also reminded the members that the executive committee had previously decided not to withdraw funds from the fixed deposit. This deposit was made during the presidency of former president Praful Patel. Patel, who was present at the virtual meeting, also opposed the proposal to break the fixed deposit. Subsequently, it was decided to form a special team led by Haris to review the matter of outstanding payments.
Meanwhile, the federation may have to return a portion of the 25 crore rupee advance received from the ticket sales partner, as this amount was provided as a conditionally refundable advance.
Brazil, playing in India for the first time, took to the field with a star-studded team. The squad included Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães, Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, and Chelsea’s Estevão.
Despite the presence of major stars and various initiatives to generate spectator interest, the AIFF could not generate the expected revenue from organizing the matches. Consequently, the possibility of having to return the advance payment, along with clearing the outstanding dues to Brazil and Uruguay, has further increased the federation’s financial pressure. They have also applied for an extension of time to make the payments.