Rs 12 million worth of seat covers used for India vs Brazil left to rot in sun

Dubai: Around 18,000 seat covers bought for India’s high-profile football friendlies against Brazil and Uruguay have reportedly been left to deteriorate in the open after the matches at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.

The covers, in deep saffron, white and India green, were reportedly purchased at a cost of Rs 1.20 crore (Dh 467,370). According to journalist Jaydeep Basu, they were removed after the fixtures and dumped outside the gate of the All India Football Federation (AIFF)-run National Centre of Excellence in New Town, Kolkata, where they have been exposed to the sun and rain.

In a post titled ‘AIFF NEVER RUNS FOR COVER’, Basu questioned the handling of the material and who had paid for it, describing the scene as an example of the federation’s administration.

The waste has drawn attention because the two matches came at a significant cost to Indian football. Brazil defeated India 4-0 on October 3, before Uruguay handed the hosts a 6-1 loss on October 6.

The appearance fees were also substantial. Brazil were reportedly promised between Rs 35 crore and Rs 40 crore (Dh 15.57 million), while Uruguay were set to receive Rs 12.5 crore (Dh 4.86 million). These figures were reported estimates and were not officially confirmed by the AIFF.

The controversy comes amid further questions over the federation’s finances. Reports on Tuesday said the AIFF had received only half of the appearance fees to Brazil and Uruguay, with outstanding payments still to be cleared.

The discarded covers have added another question over the planning and spending behind the high-profile friendlies.