India, Aug. 6 -- Seeking competition outside South Asia, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had accepted the invitation to be a guest team at the first FIFA ASEAN Cup. But when the tournament details were shared, AIFF was in advanced negotiations with CBF, the Brazil federation, to get the five-time world champions to play a friendly against India in Kolkata on October 3.

Since the dates for the friendly and the tournament in Indonesia clash, AIFF is exploring the option of sending a second team to the ASEAN meet, a decision which was opposed by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia. If FIFA does not agree, India will pull out of the competition where they have been grouped with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Participating team...