‘Can’t play both’: India withdraw from FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise Brazil friendly in Kolkata

India have withdrawn from the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup as they look to prioritise their international friendly against five-time world champions Brazil in October, All India Football Federation (AIFF) deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan said on Thursday.As previously reported by The Times of India, India will not take part in the new tournament because of the clash with the Brazil fixture.“We have pulled out of the FIFA ASEAN Cup since we can’t play both Brazil and FIFA ASEAN Cup,” Satyanarayanan was quoted as saying by PTI.The FIFA ASEAN Cup was planned as a new international competition for teams from the ASEAN region. 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.However, India’s match against Brazil is scheduled for October 3 at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium, creating a clash with the ASEAN Cup.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.The decision is a change from India’s plans earlier this year, when the AIFF accepted FIFA’s invitation and signed the participation agreement for the tournament.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 and have found it difficult to arrange regular matches against high-ranked opponents in recent years.