New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- After former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, another yesteryear footballer, Douglas de Silva, became the latest voice to object to India's upcoming FIFA friendlies against Panama, Brazil and Uruguay. Ranked 138th in the world, the Indian team will play Panama on September 25, followed by matches against former world champions Brazil (October 3) and Uruguay (October 6) in the upcoming FIFA international window.

The gap between India and its opponents is huge. While Brazil are ranked fifth in the world, Panama and Uruguay are placed at 20th and 44th in the latest FIFA Rankings. All three teams competed in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

According to Douglas Silva, the Brazil...