India Women’s Football Team Jersey Controversy Before AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026

The India women's national football team faced an unexpected setback ahead of their AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 opener in Australia after being sent undersized jerseys by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The kit mix-up created last-minute disruptions just days before their crucial opening match.

According to reports, the consignment dispatched from Delhi was delayed due to clearance issues. The delay forced the team management to request organisers to postpone their official photoshoot and equipment checks. However, the situation worsened when the jerseys finally arrived at the team hotel in Perth — only two days before the first game.

Players discovered that the kits sent were manufactured in smaller sizes, reportedly meant for age-group teams. Nearly 80 percent of the 26-member squad found the jerseys ill-fitting, leading to concerns over professionalism and preparation at a major continental tournament.

Senior players including Sweety Devi, Manisha Kalyan, Grace Dangmei, Sangita Basfore, Pathoi Chanu, Sanju, Pyari Xaxa and Shreya Hooda reportedly wrote an official letter to the federation seeking immediate intervention. In the letter, the players expressed disappointment, stating that the lack of proper match and training apparel had already affected their preparation and morale.

They emphasised that representing India on the international stage requires professional standards, including properly fitted kits and training gear. The jersey issue, coming so close to the tournament opener, added unnecessary stress during a critical preparation phase.

Following the backlash, the AIFF responded by arranging new kits locally in Australia. Officials confirmed that 55 jerseys — two different sets in light blue and red — were sourced from an Italian manufacturer that had stock available in Perth. The federation assured that corrected match and training kits, complete with player names and numbers, would be delivered before match day.

The incident has also highlighted the fact that the Indian women’s team currently does not have an official long-term kit partner, which may have contributed to the logistical lapse.

Despite the controversy, the team remains focused on their campaign. India qualified for the AFC Women’s Asia Cup on merit for the first time since 2003, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women’s football in the country.

The squad is set to begin their campaign against Vietnam in Perth on March 4. With a potential pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year, the stakes are high.

While the jersey controversy created headlines, the team’s priority remains clear — delivering strong performances on the pitch and representing India with pride at the continental stage.