The Indian women’s football team has exposed serious mismanagement within the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The players were given ill-fitting kits just a day before their AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against Vietnam in Perth.
All 26 players signed an unprecedented letter to AIFF Deputy General Secretary M Satyanarayanan. They expressed frustration at the lack of suitable clothing and playing kits. The players said it affected their morale and disrupted their concentration.
“To represent India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted and appropriate match and training attire,” the letter reads.
Kits made for U-15 athletes
The the training and match jerseys arrived in loads on Monday. This was just two days before India’s opening match on Wednesday. The players immediately discovered a serious problem.
“The kits supplied are not fit for purpose. The sizes appear to have been made for athletes aged 15 or under and do not fit at least 80% of the 26 player squad. The coaching staff kits are also sized incorrectly,” the letter said.
On March 2 at 2:00 p.m., the department’s internal meeting was held. Captain Sweety Devi Ngangbam, top ranked player Grace Dangmei and six other senior players headlined the meet. All 26 members of the section collectively agreed to send the letter.
“Over the past few days, players and staff have already faced challenges due to a lack of suitable clothing during preparation. The arrival of incorrect match kits at this crucial stage further affected morale and disrupted our focus in the final days before the match,” the players wrote.
Players require immediate action
The tournament marks India’s return to the major continental competition after 23 years. It represents a significant moment for Indian women’s football. The timing of the kit crisis made the situation even more unpleasant.
The players made three urgent requests to the AIFF. First, the immediate provision of properly sized gear for all 26 players and coaching staff. Second, confirmation that substitutes will arrive before kick-off. Third, clarification of steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
“We remain fully committed to represent our country with pride and perform at our best. However, to do so we require basic professional standards. We look forward to your immediate intervention and resolution of this matter,” the letter concluded.
Rarely has the Indian football team taken up the AIFF issues collectively in such a manner. The scathing letter revealed a clear lack of professionalism in the management of the AIFF.
The AIFF responded on Tuesday. Deputy General Secretary Satyanarayanan told PTI that the players have been provided with new kits.
“The new kits were delivered and approved at this morning’s AFC match commissioners meeting,” he said.
The incident raised serious questions about the AIFF’s ability to manage the basic logistics of the national team. He also highlighted the challenges Indian women footballers continue to face despite growing prominence in the sport.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
March 3, 2026 6:17 PM IST
