Why Can India Spend Crores on a Messi Tour but Struggle to Fund Its Own Football?
Nidhi | Dec 19, 2025, 11:59 IST
Messi Tour in India
Image credit : ANI
Indian football captain Sandesh Jhingan’s comments after Lionel Messi’s India tour have brought renewed attention to how football is funded in the country. While crores were mobilised for a short-term global event, official data shows Indian football receives a small share of central sports funding. Using Union Budget figures and government grant disclosures, this article explains how India allocates sports funds, how much football receives at the central level, and why the sport’s share has declined over time, despite growing public interest and attendance.r
Indian men’s football team captain Sandesh Jhingan recently drew attention to the contrast between the crores spent on Lionel Messi’s visit to India and the financial constraints faced by domestic football. In a public statement, he noted that while significant resources were mobilised for the high-profile tour, Indian football was facing uncertainty regarding domestic competitions and continuity.
The remarks coincided with the conclusion of Messi’s visit, which saw sold-out stadiums and large-scale commercial activity. Jhingan stated that his concern was not directed at the event itself, but at the broader condition of Indian football during the same period.
According to Union Budget documents and MYAS Demands for Grants, central sports allocations over recent years have been:
These figures show a steady increase in overall central government spending on sports in absolute terms.
Football receives central funding primarily through grants provided to the All India Football Federation under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations. These grants are intended to support national teams, domestic competitions, coaching and refereeing programmes, and grassroots initiatives.
Based on MYAS Demands for Grants, parliamentary responses, and reported official disclosures, grants to AIFF in recent years have been approximately:
The data shows that football’s central funding has not increased at the same rate as overall sports spending.
When similar calculations are applied to earlier years, football’s share generally falls within the 0.2% to 0.4% range. This is the basis for references to football receiving “around 0.3%” of central sports funding.
In earlier years such as 2018–19, football’s share of central sports spending was closer to 0.7–0.8%. As overall sports allocations increased over time, football’s central grants did not rise proportionately.
As a result, football’s percentage share declined gradually and settled near 0.25–0.3% in the mid-2020s. This shift reflects relative changes in allocation growth rather than a single reduction in funding.
Central funding is distributed across multiple sports, with a significant emphasis on Olympic and medal-oriented disciplines. Football-related expenses such as stadium development, local academies, and professional league operations are often financed outside the Union Budget.
In recent years, Indian footballers have made public statements regarding the operational aspects of the sport. Sunil Chhetri has spoken in interviews about the importance of regular competitions and stable season planning. In 2025, Chhetri and other senior players issued a public appeal seeking clarity on the domestic football calendar.
Sandesh Jhingan’s statement followed Messi’s visit and focused on the contrast between large-scale event spending and the condition of domestic football during the same period.
The data shows:
The remarks coincided with the conclusion of Messi’s visit, which saw sold-out stadiums and large-scale commercial activity. Jhingan stated that his concern was not directed at the event itself, but at the broader condition of Indian football during the same period.
How India Spends on Sports at the Central Level
Do whatever it takes to get football season underway: Sunil Chhetri's plea to AIFF
Image credit : IANS
According to Union Budget documents and MYAS Demands for Grants, central sports allocations over recent years have been:
| Financial Year | Allocation (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| 2018–19 | 2,196 |
| 2019–20 | 2,216 |
| 2020–21 | 2,826 |
| 2021–22 | 2,596 |
| 2022–23 | 3,062 |
| 2023–24 | 3,397 |
| 2024–25 | 3,442 |
These figures show a steady increase in overall central government spending on sports in absolute terms.
How Football Is Funded Centrally
Based on MYAS Demands for Grants, parliamentary responses, and reported official disclosures, grants to AIFF in recent years have been approximately:
| Financial Year | Grant (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| 2018–19 | ~16 |
| 2019–20 | ~14 |
| 2020–21 | ~11 |
| 2021–22 | ~10 |
| 2022–23 | ~9 |
| 2023–24 | ~14 |
| 2024–25 | 8.78 |
The data shows that football’s central funding has not increased at the same rate as overall sports spending.
Football’s Share of Central Sports Spending
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Image credit : IANS
- Total central sports budget (MYAS): ₹3,442 crore
- AIFF grant: ₹8.78 crore
When similar calculations are applied to earlier years, football’s share generally falls within the 0.2% to 0.4% range. This is the basis for references to football receiving “around 0.3%” of central sports funding.
Changes in Football’s Share Over Time
As a result, football’s percentage share declined gradually and settled near 0.25–0.3% in the mid-2020s. This shift reflects relative changes in allocation growth rather than a single reduction in funding.
Structure of Football Funding in India
Lionel Messi virtually unveils his 70-foot statue at Lake Town in Kolkata
Image credit : ANI
Central funding is distributed across multiple sports, with a significant emphasis on Olympic and medal-oriented disciplines. Football-related expenses such as stadium development, local academies, and professional league operations are often financed outside the Union Budget.
Statements From Indian Football Players
Sandesh Jhingan’s statement followed Messi’s visit and focused on the contrast between large-scale event spending and the condition of domestic football during the same period.
What the Data Shows and What It Does Not
- Central government sports spending has increased over time
- Football’s direct central funding has remained limited in absolute terms
- Football’s percentage share of central sports spending has declined
- Total spending on football in India
- State government investment levels
- Private funding through clubs, leagues, sponsorships, and broadcasters