A home game against Brazil would be a major event for supporters, sponsors and the wider profile of the sport. That part is easy to understand. Elite opposition brings attention, and attention can bring money.
But Stimac reportedly described the decision to step away from the ASEAN Cup as a “marketing move”. That line matters because it goes to the heart of a debate Indian football has been circling for years:
Stimac’s broader point appears to be less about Brazil alone and more about the structure around the national team. He reportedly argued that the domestic calendar, clubs and international programme must work to a shared plan.
That is the real issue. India do not lack moments; they have often lacked continuity. Friendly matches can be useful, but only when they fit a bigger sporting objective. Without that, even a marquee fixture risks becoming a one-off headline rather than a step forward.
Stimac also reportedly said he could not see a football-development benefit in giving such games priority. It is a harsh message, but not an unfamiliar one.
Indian football has long balanced ambition with image. A match against Brazil would be unforgettable. It might also be worthwhile commercially. Yet the harder question is whether it serves the team as much as it serves the occasion.
That is the storyline to watch now: not just whether India vs Brazil happens on 3 October, but whether the federation can show a clearer long-term football plan behind it.