The All India Football Federation (AIFF) decided on Thursday to send two distinct national squads to compete in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in late September and an international friendly against Brazil on October 3 in Kolkata—a decision that drew sharp opposition from Bhaichung Bhutia.

Organised by FIFA to elevate competition across Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Cup runs from September 21 to October 6. India, Hong Kong, and China received invitations, though China declined. Placed in Group A of Division 1, India will face Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.