No one anticipated the turn of events that took place this time around. I can only say we have learnt a lesson,' he said.

The agreement is a bond signed between the host association and the participating countries and it has conditions pertaining to withdrawal, penalty on failing to play and replacement, disciplinary matters, protests, doping, disputes, equipment, team colours, football to be used, venues, commercial rights, financial provisions, etc.

The agreement, in fact, safeguards the interests of not only the organisers but also the participating countries.

The AIFF did write to all the football associations with a copy to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), inviting the national sides for the prestigious tournament in the Indian capital. Any party reneging on the agreement would be liable for hefty fine and other punitive actions from the AFC.

If only the AIFF had signed the agreement with the playing nations, it would have been in a position to claim damages from both Thailand and Palestine.