Srinagar: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing mounting financial pressure following a series of high-profile international football friendlies, with nearly Rs 19 crore reportedly outstanding to the Brazilian Football Confederation for the October exhibition match in India.
The financial strain has raised serious questions about the federation’s spending commitments, commercial planning and its ability to meet outstanding liabilities without dipping into long-term savings.
According to a report published by The Times of India, the AIFF is reportedly facing a financial shortfall of approximately Rs 80-85 crore after arranging international friendlies involving Brazil, Uruguay and Panama.
The issue came up during the federation’s Special General Body Meeting on Sunday, where AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey reportedly proposed withdrawing funds prematurely from the organisation’s fixed deposit to clear outstanding payments.
However, the proposal faced resistance from several state association representatives, who expressed reservations about using the federation’s accumulated savings to meet liabilities arising from the international matches.
How Much Does AIFF Owe Brazil and Uruguay?
According to the report, the AIFF has sought additional time to clear approximately Rs 19 crore owed to Brazil and another Rs 4.7 crore payable to Uruguay following their visits to India.
The exact overall financial liability was not disclosed during the meeting, reportedly because the agreements with the visiting teams contain confidentiality clauses.
The reported outstanding amounts are:
Brazil: Approximately Rs 19 crore.
Uruguay: Approximately Rs 4.7 crore.
The federation is also reportedly facing financial obligations involving its ticketing partner, which had provided an advance of Rs 25 crore on a recoupable basis.
Ticket sales were initially projected to generate revenue of around Rs 30-40 crore. However, collections reportedly fell short of expectations, leaving the AIFF struggling to achieve the commercial returns anticipated when the matches were organised.
Kalyan Chaubey’s Fixed Deposit Proposal Faces Opposition
During Sunday’s meeting, Chaubey reportedly requested approval from member associations to withdraw money from the AIFF’s fixed deposit before its maturity.
The AIFF president is understood to have assured members that the withdrawn amount would subsequently be replenished through funds arranged from external sources.
However, the proposal did not receive unanimous support.
Vice-president NA Haris reportedly reminded members that the AIFF Executive Committee had previously decided against utilising the fixed deposit for such purposes.
The deposit was created during the tenure of former AIFF president Praful Patel, who led the federation between 2018 and 2022.
Patel also participated in the virtual meeting and reportedly opposed breaking the fixed deposit, seeking greater clarity on the federation’s outstanding liabilities and the proposed repayment arrangements.
Several state association representatives supported the position, expressing concerns that the financial burden could affect the federation’s domestic football calendar and grassroots development programmes.
Santosh Trophy and Domestic Football Funding Concerns
The reported financial crisis has also raised concerns about its possible impact on Indian domestic football.
Member associations reportedly questioned whether the federation’s international commitments could put pressure on funding for domestic competitions, including the Santosh Trophy, as well as grassroots football development initiatives.
The concern is that using long-term reserves to settle liabilities from international friendlies could leave the federation with reduced financial flexibility for its regular activities.
AIFF Forms Core Group to Examine Financial Liabilities
With differences emerging over the proposed use of fixed deposits, the meeting concluded with the formation of a core group under the chairmanship of NA Haris.
The group will examine the financial details of the agreements, outstanding payments and the federation’s overall liabilities before the matter is taken up again.
An AIFF official reportedly clarified that the fixed deposit cannot be utilised without the approval of the Executive Committee.
“Until the executive committee approves, money from the fixed deposit cannot be utilised to pay the dues,” the official was quoted as saying.
The proposal is expected to return before the Executive Committee for further consideration, with the federation now facing the challenge of clearing its outstanding payments while protecting its financial reserves.
The episode has placed the AIFF’s financial management under scrutiny, particularly over the commercial planning behind bringing some of world football’s biggest national teams to India.
