AIFF Seeks SAFF Intervention Over Controversial Semifinal Between India and Nepal

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has raised concerns over the chaotic scenes that marred Sunday’s semifinal match between India and Nepal in the SAFF Women’s Championship in Kathmandu. 

The match, which concluded in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory for Nepal, was overshadowed by controversy following a contentious call that led to a lengthy pause in play and drew strong reactions from both sides.

In a statement issued Monday, AIFF announced it will formally request the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) to review the incident. 

“The AIFF will write to SAFF regarding the incidents and will take it up at the appropriate platform,” the federation declared, adding that recent incidents of this nature have hindered the development of football in the region. 

Citing a similar situation faced by India’s U19 women’s team in a previous SAFF tournament, AIFF reiterated that such disruptions compromise the integrity of the game and the growth of women’s football in South Asia.

The controversy stemmed from a disallowed goal by Nepal that led to prolonged discussions between both teams and the match officials. Though details regarding the disallowed goal remain sparse, the interruption disrupted the flow of the game and drew mounting frustrations from both teams, who engaged in discussions with officials on the field.

Despite the tense atmosphere, AIFF commended the Indian women’s team for their professionalism under challenging circumstances. “For the All India Football Federation, the safety of the women players and staff is always of utmost importance,” the statement noted. 

“It is proud of the way the Senior Women’s National Team players, support staff, and officials displayed remarkable restraint and conducted themselves on the pitch under tiring circumstances in Kathmandu. The team came out with their heads high.”

Following the resumption of play, Nepal’s star forward Sabitra Bhandari quickly leveled the score, nullifying India’s earlier lead through Sangita Basfore’s goal. The intense matchup extended to a penalty shootout, where Nepal clinched a 4-2 victory. Indian players Ashalata Devi and Ranjana Chanu missed their penalty kicks, sealing Nepal’s path to the tournament final.