The All India Football Federation (AIFF) did not approve the friendly match between Brazil legends and Indian All Stars held in Chennai on 30th March which Brazil legends won 2-1.

But a section of country’s football fraternity has raised questions over the participation of a few former India international footballers for the Indian All Stars XI who are currently associated with AIFF and Indian football directly. 

Questions have been raised on IM Vijayan, chairman of the AIFF's Technical Committee, and Climax Lawrence, also a member of AIFF's Technical Committee member. Simultaneously, critics are surprised to have seen Mahesh Gawali and Bibiano Fernandez in the Indian All-Stars XI. Mahesh is the assistant coach of the senior Indian men's team while Bibiano who struck the only goal for the Indian All Stars XI in the match is currently the coach of the national under-20 team. 

One of the I-League club officials told on condition of anonymity, “Especially, how could Vijayan and Climax participate in the match which was not approved by the AIFF? Both these footballers are part of AIFF administration. AIFF should caution them.”

However, when asked about the issue, AIFF secretary, Anil Kumar explained, “First of all it was a festival match. Secondly, it was a veterans' match. The AIFF does not have any such regulation which can restrict the veterans from taking part in any friendly or festival match.”

"If such regulation is prepared through amendment in the future then we can look into such a match where the former footballers directly associated with AIFF administration can be restricted to take part in a similar match."