Kolkata [India], August 4 (HBTV): All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey said the friendly match between India and five-time world champions Brazil later this year would be a great opportunity for Indian footballers, adding that talks had been held with the West Bengal government to ensure the smooth organisation of the match.
The AIFF, on July 30, announced that the Brazil senior men's national team will play an international friendly match against India on October 3 in Kolkata. Brazil, five-time world champions, are the most successful men's national team in football. India will host the Seleção at the Salt Lake Stadium in one of the biggest matches in Indian football history.
Speaking to ANI about the match, Chaubey said, 'I would say that this is such a football match that every player wants to play, and I think playing against Brazil for India is historic.'
'Since the news of India playing Brazil was announced, football fans showed a lot of excitement about the match and want to know about the organisation of the match. I would want that through this match, the football-loving people of India benefit and they come forward and connect more with football,' he added.
Chaubey termed the match as something 'any player can wait their whole life' for.
'There are many Brazil fans in India, there are many Brazil fans here in Bengal. I think it's a good opportunity, and players will play and enjoy this game. It will benefit them in their lives and careers, and their professional experience will also increase,' he added.
Chaubey also stressed that preparations for the match should be carried out properly and that the 'indiscipline and disorder' witnessed during Argentina football icon Lionel Messi's visit to the state as part of his 'GOAT India Tour' should not happen again.
He said that, to ensure everything goes smoothly, talks were being held with the state government, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and all relevant authorities. The government had sought details regarding the assistance required and adherence to all FIFA protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
'The match's preparation should be done correctly, according to international protocol, and from what we have seen in the past, when Messi came to Kolkata on December 13, the indiscipline and disorder we saw there should not happen. Detailed talks were held on organising this football match correctly through the All India Football Federation with the cooperation of the state government,' he said.
'The Chief Minister wants that this match goes ahead well, and for this, we have been asked for details regarding the help we need from the state government and to make sure that FIFA protocols and SOPs are followed,' he added.
Chaubey said that the CM had asked Sports Minister Indranil Khan to take up the matter and seek cooperation from the concerned departments and ministries.
'Tomorrow, we will go and conduct a recce of the stadium, and the Honourable Chief Minister will talk to whichever departments in the central government in Delhi are necessary for this and will give us further guidance; we will work accordingly,' Chaubey said.
'Whatever is asked of AIFF, AIFF will cooperate on this matter. The inspection will happen at the end of this month,' he signed off.
In a post on X, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) also announced the development. Calling it a historic occasion, the CBF said it was excited to connect with India, which it described as home to the Brazilian national team's largest international fanbase.
'From Australia to India. The Brazilian National Team's schedule continues. After the friendlies in Australia, our next destination will be India, where we will write an unprecedented chapter in our history. On October 3, the National Team will take the field for the first time on Indian soil, at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. It will be a special encounter with a country that hosts the largest international fanbase of the Brazilian National Team and that, for generations, has followed the history of Brazilian football with immense affection and passion. We are eager to live this moment alongside millions of Indian fans! See you in Kolkata,' the CBF said.
In another post, the CBF announced its schedule for the September FIFA international window, confirming two friendly matches against Australia in Queensland. Brazil will face Australia in Townsville on September 25 and Brisbane on September 29 as part of the Queensland Football Series 2026.
'The matches are part of the Queensland Football Series 2026 and mark the Brazilian National Team's reunion with the Australian public in another key international commitment. See you soon, Australia,' the CBF said. (ANI)