Five-member CBF delegation inspects Salt Lake Stadium ahead of India vs Brazil clash
The Blue Tigers are set to face the five-time World champions on 3rd October
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Government of West Bengal have joined hands to ensure that football fans across the country are treated to a truly world-class experience during the much-awaited India-Brazil international friendly in Kolkata.
A five-member delegation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) visited Kolkata on Thursday and Friday to review the preparations, infrastructure and arrangements for the highly anticipated fixture, scheduled to be played on October 3 at Yuvabharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium).
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The CBF delegation conducted a comprehensive inspection of the stadium, training facilities, team accommodation, security arrangements and other match-related infrastructure to assess Kolkata’s preparedness to host the Brazilian national team. The delegation arrived at Yuvabharati Krirangan and began its inspection with the training ground.
The officials reviewed the playing surface, turf condition, goalposts, dressing rooms, sanitation facilities and other essential infrastructure. The delegation comprised Sérgio Dimas de Oliveira, General Supervisor of the Brazilian Football Team; Vinicius Barrozo Costa, Administrator; José Vitor Senatore de Paula Lima, Marketing and Operations Manager; Guilherme Passos Ramos, Physiologist; and Bruno Mazzei Reis from the Security Department.
As part of their Kolkata itinerary, the delegation also visited the Federation’s Centre of Excellence in New Town. They subsequently inspected a five-star hotel located near Yuvabharati Krirangan to review accommodation facilities and other requirements for the Brazilian team. During the visit to the stadium, the CBF officials also assessed key match-day facilities and discussed security and operational arrangements with the concerned authorities.
The inspection was attended by Federation Director and former Indian footballer Subrata Pal, IFA Secretary Anirban Dutta and West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Kha.
Speaking after the inspection, Sports Minister Indranil Khan said, “There is tremendous excitement among the people of West Bengal surrounding the India-Brazil match. The state government will ensure that all necessary infrastructural improvements and arrangements are completed for the successful organisation of the match. Our aim is to provide spectators with an international football experience of World Cup standards.”
With AIFF and the West Bengal Government working together, Kolkata is gearing up to deliver a memorable and world-class football spectacle when India take on Brazil on October 3.
I.M.Vijayan backs India-Brazil clash to boost Indian football
Indian football legend I. M. Vijayan has expressed his excitement over the upcoming India-Brazil international friendly, which will see the Brazil national football team visit India. He believes the arrival of Brazilian stars such as Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha is a major positive development for Indian football and will bring global attention to the country.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers India has produced, Vijayan welcomed Brazil’s visit and said that hosting a team of Brazil’s stature could help generate greater interest in football among people across the country.
Speaking about the impact of the match on India’s young footballers, Vijayan said, “The young players will play and gain experience, which is a very big thing. It will become a memory for them for the rest of their lives. My football career ended a long time ago. Whatever I played, I played wholeheartedly. Now our players should enjoy the game.”
Vijayan also highlighted the economic significance of bringing a team like Brazil to India. According to him, hosting a world-class team involves considerable expenditure, but it also demonstrates that people in India are willing to invest in and spend money on football. He feels this is a positive sign for the continued growth and development of Indian football.
The former India striker also revealed his desire to be present at the historic encounter in Kolkata. He said that, if there are no other commitments or issues, he would certainly travel to Kolkata, sit in the stands and enjoy the India-Brazil match in person.
The visit of a star-studded Brazil side is also expected to provide an invaluable learning opportunity for India’s young footballers. Vijayan believes that sharing the pitch with some of the world’s best players can boost their confidence, provide valuable experience and contribute significantly to their future development.
With the India-Brazil match already generating enormous excitement among football fans across the country, Vijayan’s enthusiasm has added further anticipation to what promises to be a landmark occasion for Indian football.
When will Blue Tigers play Brazil?
The Blue Tigers are scheduled to face Brazil in an international friendly on October 3 in Kolkata.
Did the Brazilian Football Confederation visit Kolkata?
Yes. A five-member CBF delegation visited Kolkata to inspect preparations for the match.
Who were the CBF officials who visited Kolkata?
The delegation included Sérgio Dimas de Oliveira, Vinicius Barrozo Costa, José Vitor Senatore de Paula Lima, Guilherme Passos Ramos and Bruno Mazzei Reis.
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A sports journalist for over 4 years, Triyasha has been covering Indian Football and Kanbaddi meticulously, She specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game, the players and the footballing infrastructure and heritage in India.