Overview

• India suffered a 0–1 defeat to Hong Kong on June 10 after Stefan Pereira’s stoppage-time penalty, leaving the Blue Tigers with just two points from three qualifiers.
• The loss means India must win all four remaining matches and depend on other results to keep their 2027 Asian Cup hopes alive.
• Former captain Bhaichung Bhutia accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey of ‘destroying Indian football,’ criticised the ad-hoc USD 50,000 match bonus and demanded a leadership overhaul.
• Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal and FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur called for structural reforms to address grassroots neglect and governance failures within the federation.
• Coach Manolo Marquez, who has overseen only one win in eight games, faces uncertainty over his future amid controversy over his appointment without Technical Committee approval.