India vs Brazil: AIFF Announces 14,000 Discounted Tickets for Kolkata Football Clubs

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has made available more than 14,000 discounted tickets for supporters and members of Kolkata’s three traditional football clubs — Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting — for India’s high-profile friendly against Brazil.

The initiative is designed to ensure that Kolkata’s passionate football community gets an opportunity to witness one of India’s biggest international fixtures in recent years.

India’s international schedule begins with a match against Panama in Bengaluru on September 25. The Blue Tigers will then return to Kolkata, where they are set to take on Brazil on October 3 before facing Uruguay three days later on October 6.

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, speaking to reporters in Kolkata on Thursday, outlined the process through which fans of the three clubs can purchase the discounted tickets.

According to Chaubey, clubs will coordinate with the Indian Football Association (IFA) and submit their ticket requirements. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting will then set up dedicated counters at their respective club premises where members and supporters can purchase the tickets.

The discounted tickets have been allocated in the B2 and D2 sections of the middle tier, located behind the goalposts. The facility will also be extended to clubs affiliated with the IFA.

Tickets for the Brazil fixture available through the general sale were snapped up rapidly, with prices ranging from Rs 999 to Rs 15,000.

AIFF PLANS FAN PARKS ACROSS DISTRICTS

The federation is also looking to extend the matchday experience beyond Kolkata by establishing fan parks in different districts.

Chaubey said the proposed fan parks would allow supporters and young academy players outside the city to watch India’s matches together on large screens, while also helping promote grassroots football.

Meanwhile, preparations for Brazil’s arrival are underway. A five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation recently visited the venue and reviewed the arrangements for the team’s stay and matches. Chaubey said the delegation was satisfied with the preparations.

SALT LAKE PITCH UNDERGOES PREPARATIONS

Questions had been raised over the condition of the Salt Lake Stadium pitch following the Durand Cup and the monsoon season. However, the AIFF president said the playing surface has improved and is expected to be in better shape by the time Brazil arrive for the October 3 fixture.

The two training grounds located beside the stadium are also being readied for the visiting teams.

The upcoming fixtures against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay will provide India with three FIFA Tier-1 international matches against opponents ranked among the world’s top 50.

Brazil are yet to play a senior international match in India, while Uruguay’s last meeting with India in Kolkata came in 1982.

For Khalid Jamil’s team, the matches will provide valuable exposure against some of the strongest opposition India has faced in decades. At the same time, football supporters in Kolkata will have the rare opportunity to see both Brazil and Uruguay play on Indian soil.