Goa, Aug. 9 -- Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has questioned the decision to host Brazil in a high-profile friendly, arguing that Indian football should first address its growing structural problems.

Brazil, five-time world champions and currently ranked fifth in the world, are scheduled to play India at Kolkata's Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan on October 3. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among Indian football fans, but Bhutia believes the focus should instead be on rebuilding the domestic game.

Bhutia pointed to several recent developments as evidence of the challenges facing Indian football. Jamshedpur FC have opted out of the Indian Super League, while Indian teams are also not participating in the ...