PR over development? AIFF budget favours publicity over women's football

Budget breakdown shows where AIFF’s ‘real’ focus lies.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF)’s budget for the financial year 2025-26 has provided some interesting insights into the priorities of the federation.

The AIFF has revealed both its estimated income and expenditure up until December 31, 2025.

This includes the amount of money that has been allocated to the different national teams that are operated by the AIFF, as well as other factors like competitions and its own management.

Shocking imbalance in women’s team funding

One of the more striking takeaways from the budget is the relatively low allocation for the Indian women’s national football setup. This includes not just the senior team—which recently made history by qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026—but also the U17 and U20 teams under the federation’s umbrella.

According to the budget document, the AIFF has earmarked ₹2.74 crore only for all women’s national teams combined. In contrast, the men’s national teams have been allocated ₹4.76 crore—almost double.

Additionally, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) will pitch in equivalent for the women’s teams to support operations such as travel, accommodation, training camps, and staff remuneration. The men’s teams will receive ₹5.25 crore in SAI assistance, further widening the financial gap between the two.

PR budget nearly equals women’s football allocation

What has raised eyebrows further is the ₹2 crore allocation for the federation’s Media, Communication, and Public Relations team—nearly as much as what has been set aside for the entire women’s football program.

While investing in communications is important, the figure has sparked conversations about whether the federation has misplaced priorities and is focusing more on image management than addressing structural needs—especially after facing criticism in recent months.

The exit of head coach Manolo Marquez and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), which is set to expire in December 2025, have put the AIFF under increased scrutiny.

As a result, the federation has allocated a significant amount of their budget to improve their Media & PR Team. They seemingly want to ensure that the federation is showcased in a positive light in the media.

Women’s football continues to seek stronger backing

Despite the women’s team showing consistent improvement and earning their place among Asia’s rising sides, the funding discrepancy remains hard to ignore.

The limited budget could impact various operational aspects—such as the scale of training camps, the quality of logistics during international tours, and support for the junior teams.

Also Read: IWL preponed; 83-day camp for Indian women’s team before AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

At a time when the Blue Tigresses are pushing for a spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, this level of financial support might fall short of what’s needed to maintain momentum and take the next step forward.

That said, there is cautious optimism. With the women’s team recently scripting history by qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, there is hope that the AIFF will revisit and reassess its current budget to better reflect the team’s growing stature and needs.

The scheduling of the Indian Women’s League ahead of the continental tournament, along with plans for an 83-day national camp and multiple international friendlies, does signal a willingness to listen and adapt.

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