AIFF Rs 43 lakh bonus gamble raises eyebrows as Hong Kong dent India's Asian Cup hopes

Lallianzuala Chhangte in action against Hong Kong (AIFF Photo)

The Indian football team's quest for AFC Asian Cup qualification took a disappointing turn in Kowloon, as Manolo Marquez's side succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Hong Kong. This result is particularly jarring given India's dominant 4-0 victory over the same opponent just three years ago. Despite outplaying the 153rd-ranked nation for large spells, the Blue Tigers' perennial struggle to convert chances and hold their nerve ultimately proved costly, with a late penalty in the dying minutes sealing their fate.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had clearly understood the importance of this fixture, announcing a hefty cash bonus of $50,000 (approximately Rs 43 lakh) for the team if they managed to secure a win. This sum, intended to be divided among the entire squad, was communicated to the players well in advance, aiming to provide an added incentive for victory. Hong Kong, meanwhile, came into the match well-prepared, buoyed by recent friendlies against Manchester United and Nepal, and boasting an impressive record of only one loss in their last ten games.

However, the timing and context of this pre-match bonus raise uncomfortable questions, echoing a questionable precedent from 2004. Back then, the AIFF announced similar cash rewards for the national team players ahead of a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Japan: Rs 1 lakh per head for a win and Rs 50,000 for a draw. The result? A humiliating 7-0 rout in favour of Japan. Such gestures, while seemingly aimed at motivation, can often backfire, placing undue pressure and potentially clouding the fundamental drive to represent the nation.

The current situation is further complicated by recent reports detailing unpaid dues to several Indian footballers from mid-2023. These outstanding payments include match fees, daily allowances, and bonus amounts from three trophy-winning campaigns. Players, opting to avoid public confrontation, had reportedly reached out to the AIFF via email in late May 2025 regarding these delays. The AIFF's deputy secretary general, Mr M Satyanarayan, denied any official record of outstanding payments, at times attributing daily allowances to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and claiming the federation had forwarded bank details. Yet, players maintain no such payments have been received.

This disconnect paints a concerning picture. Is the AIFF's sudden announcement of a substantial bonus for the Hong Kong match a genuine motivational tactic, or a thinly veiled attempt to divert attention from the more pressing issue of long-pending dues? While playing for the national team should, in itself, be the ultimate motivation for any footballer, the consistent non-payment of legitimate earnings undoubtedly erodes trust and impacts morale. When players are reportedly left to chase their hard-earned money, a one-off prize money announcement, particularly after a defeat, risks appearing disingenuous.

Ultimately, the focus must shift from short-term financial incentives to building a robust, transparent, and professionally managed system. True motivation for a national team comes from consistent support, fair compensation, and a clear vision for development. Until the AIFF addresses the foundational issues of player welfare and financial accountability, such pre-match bonuses, despite good intentions, will continue to be viewed with a degree of scepticism, and perhaps, as a mere distraction from a deeper malaise within Indian football.