The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced plans to formally address the crowd violence that marred Sunday’s semifinal match between India and Nepal at the SAFF Women’s Championship, held at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.

The match, which ended in a tie-breaker after a pause of over 70 minutes in Kathmandu, saw India ultimately lose.

In a statement released on Monday, the AIFF acknowledged the troubling incidents, stating, “The All India Football Federation has taken note of the incidents that happened during the SAFF Women’s Championship 2024 semi-final in Kathmandu, Nepal, on Sunday, October 27, 2024. The AIFF will write to SAFF regarding the incidents and will take it up at the appropriate platform.”

The federation also highlighted a similar incident that occurred during a previous SAFF tournament in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on February 24, when a crowd became unruly after India was declared the winner of the under-19 final following a coin toss. This led to a three-hour delay before India and Bangladesh were ultimately named joint winners.

The AIFF's decision to bring these issues to the attention of the South Asian Football Federation emphasizes the need for improved crowd management and safety measures at future events. As the focus turns to the upcoming matches, both the AIFF and SAFF will need to work collaboratively to ensure a secure environment for players and fans alike.