M Satyanarayanan

“India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup”

“India will not take part in the new tournament because of the clash with the Brazil fixture”

“India had been invited as one of the teams from outside the region”

“India had initially accepted FIFA's invitation and were drawn in Division 1 Group A with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore”

“The tournament is scheduled to take place during the September 21-October 6 FIFA international window”

“India's match against Brazil is scheduled for October 3 at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium”

“The AIFF had earlier considered sending a separate or developmental squad to the tournament while using the senior team for the Brazil game”

“The federation has now decided to withdraw from the competition and use the international window for friendly matches instead”

“The Brazil fixture was officially announced last month”

“India's withdrawal also means the team will miss the chance to play some of Southeast Asia's leading sides in a FIFA-sanctioned competition”

“India have failed to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup”

“India have found it difficult to arrange regular matches against high-ranked opponents in recent years”