The India vs Brazil international friendly in Kolkata faced an unexpected media accreditation problem on Friday, with hundreds of journalists waiting at the Salt Lake Stadium for their passes just a day before the much-anticipated match.
The accreditation process for the India vs Brazil and India vs Uruguay fixtures opened on September 19, with journalists given a week to submit their applications. Reporters whose applications were approved were initially informed that their accreditation cards could be collected from the press conference room at Salt Lake Stadium at 4:30 pm on Friday.
Journalists wait for India vs Brazil accreditation cards
The process became confusing on Friday morning after several journalists received an email around 8 am stating that the accreditation cards could be collected at 9 am from the same venue.
However, staff at the stadium later told reporters that the cards would only be distributed in the evening. The passes were still unavailable by 5 pm, leaving a large group of journalists waiting at the venue.
The situation became increasingly tense as reporters waited for clarity on when they would receive their accreditation. Some journalists attempted to surround members of the local organising committee, while international media personnel, including reporters from Brazil, watched the developments.
British influencer Davina Pindoria, who travelled from London to cover the match, described her experience at the stadium.
“I usually cover cricket, and this is one of the first times I am covering a football match this big. It has been utterly chaotic,” British influencer Davina Pindoria, who has travelled to India from London, told Sportstar.
AIFF explains delay in media passes
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) later explained that the accreditation cards had been printed in Mumbai but could not be transported to Kolkata on the planned flight.
“There has not been a major issue. The accreditation cards were printed in Mumbai but could not be put on a flight on Friday morning. As a result, they could not reach Kolkata in time, but we have been assured that it will reach by 11 pm or midnight,” an AIFF official confirmed.
The delay meant approved journalists had to wait until the eve of the match to receive confirmation.
AIFF, however, later issued a statement, noting, “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and miscommunication caused by the delay in delivering your accreditation cards. Due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the issuance process was briefly delayed; however, our team is working swiftly to resolve this.”
“You may collect your accreditation cards tomorrow at Hotel Hyatt Regency (adjacent to VYBK). Collection Venue: Hotel Lobby, Hotel Hyatt Regency. Collection Timings: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM,” they added.
Earlier accreditation concerns among journalists
The accreditation process had also faced questions earlier in the week after several veteran local journalists reportedly had their accreditation cancelled because of limited space.
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However, several ‘so-called’ social media influencers who never even covered a single Indian grassroots football match, rather busy doing Barca-Madrid-Liverpool, somehow secured their seats in the Press box.
Security deployed for India vs Brazil
The accreditation confusion came against the backdrop of tight security arrangements in Kolkata ahead of the Brazil team’s visit.
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A significant police presence has been deployed around Salt Lake Stadium as well as the hotel where the Brazilian squad is staying. Vehicles entering the stadium complex are being checked, while the Brazil team bus is also undergoing security checks involving sniffer dogs.
With India set to face Brazil in front of a packed Kolkata crowd, security agencies have maintained strict surveillance around the stadium and the Brazilian team’s accommodation ahead of Saturday’s international friendly.