'Your Football Is 20 years Behind’: Bhaichung Bhutia Urges Boycott Of Brazil Clash over Match Costs
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has urged football fans to boycott India’s upcoming friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup winners Brazil, arguing that spending crores on a 90-minute exhibition match is unjustified when Indian football needs greater investment.
India are scheduled to face Brazil at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on October 3. Media reports have estimated the cost of staging the event at around ₹60-70 crore, while the All India Football Federation (AIFF) reportedly withdrew India from the FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise the Brazil clash.
‘Boycott that Brazil match’
Speaking during an interaction on 420 Grams, Bhutia called on fans to send a strong message to football authorities by staying away from the match.
“Boycott that Brazil match. Then I think that is a big message. Then every organiser, every federation will think twice,” Bhutia said.
The former India captain also urged the Bengal government to consider putting the money towards long-term development of sports and athletes instead of spending it on a single high-profile fixture.
Bhutia suggests investing in sports infrastructure
Bhutia said that if ₹30 crore were available, it could be used to help Bengal produce athletes capable of winning medals at major international events.
“If the Bengal government is going to pay or try and raise [money] for this match, please raise it for Bengal to have the next few gold medals in the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
He suggested investing the amount over four years to support athletes, develop Olympic-level talent and build futsal facilities across the state.
“Or with the Rs 30 crore, make 100 futsal grounds — seven-a-side futsal grounds. You can have 100 grounds in different [areas]. Use it, utilise it properly. Don’t waste it for one 90-minute [match] and think the money is gone,” Bhutia said.
‘Your football is 20 years behind’
Bhutia acknowledged that a match against Brazil would generate enormous excitement among Indian football fans, but questioned what would remain after the event.
“If the match happens, everybody is excited, fans come in, you know, media, the government, everybody will be happy. But once the match happens, your money is gone and your football is 20 years behind,” he said.
His comments come amid wider concerns over investment and long-term development in Indian football, with the proposed Brazil friendly set to attract significant attention because of the stature of the opposition.
