AIFF bid to break fixed deposit to pay Brazil, Uruguay for friendlies stalled

NewsSports NewsFootballAIFF bid to break Rs 20 crore fixed deposit to pay Brazil, Uruguay for friendlies stalled AIFF bid to break Rs 20 crore fixed deposit to pay Brazil, Uruguay for friendlies stalled India played five-time world champions Brazil in a high-profile international friendly in Kolkata last month Panaji: The All India Football Federation’s proposal to break its fixed deposit of Rs 20 crore to pay Brazil and Uruguay for last month’s international friendlies was stalled by general body members, who said such a move could be allowed only in an emergency.The AIFF invited five-time world champions Brazil and former Word Cup and Olympics winners Uruguay for two high-profile international friendlies against India in Kolkata last month.

World Cuppers Panama also played a friendly in Bengaluru. But while Panama have been paid in full, sources said Brazil and Uruguay have received only 50% of their appearance fees.According to sources, AIFF has now sought an extension of deadline to clear pending payments to Brazil (approx.

Rs 19 crore) and Uruguay (approx. Rs 4.7 crore) for the friendlies.“The AIFF president (Kalyan Chaubey) requested members to approve withdrawing money from the fixed deposit (before maturity) and said he would later get the money back into the account,” a senior official told TOI on Monday.

“Members objected with (vice-president) NA Haris reminding everyone that the executive committee had previously taken a decision not to use funds from the fixed deposit.” Another member told TOI the fixed deposit is from the time of Praful Patel as president (2018-2022).

The former FIFA Council member, who attended the virtual meeting, spoke against the proposal to break the FD and was backed by several presidents of member associations.The total amount that is due was not mentioned at the meeting due to confidentiality clauses in the contracts.

It was later decided to form a core group, chaired by Haris, where finer details would be shared.“Until the executive committee approves, money from the fixed deposit cannot be utilised to pay the dues,” said another official.Besides appearance fees, the AIFF may also have to return part of the ₹25 crore that was paid to them by the ticketing partner as “recoupable advance.” The federation initially hoped for ticket revenue in the region of ₹30-40 crore, earning them a substantial profit, but high-ticket prices meant ticket sales did not meet expectations.Join conversation The low ticket sales even prompted AIFF to announce discounted ticket arrangements for supporters of the three big Kolkata clubs — Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting — while a “get two tickets for the price of one with exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer for the India vs Brazil clash” was also advertised on the federation’s social media accounts.Five-time world champions Brazil arrived in India with a full-strength squad that had Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, besides Marquinhos, PSG captain during their back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, Endrick (Real Madrid) and Estavao (Chelsea).

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