Huge controversy in Women's U19 final between India and Bangladesh as coin toss decides winner

The final of the SAFF Women's U19 Championship competition has attracted huge controversy after the winner was initially decided by a coin toss - before the decision was changed.

India were taking on Bangladesh in the final of the tournament, which was open to all nations from South Asia.

The game finished 1-1 in normal time, with India opening the scoring on eight minutes before Bangladesh levelled shortly before full time.

That sent the match to penalties - which is where the chaos began.

In an incredible penalty shootout, both teams were locked at 11-11, with every player - including both goalkeepers - scoring their respective spot kicks.

According to Indian outlet Sportstar, it was decided that the shootout would not continue, with the referee informed to instead perform a coin toss.

India won it, meaning they were announced as the winners of the tournament.

But Bangladesh players and officials were less than impressed, and following lengthy protests and further discussions, the result was eventually changed to declare both sides as joint winners.

A spokesperson from the All India Football Association (AIFF) told local outlet PTI: "It was a good gesture from the All India Football Federation.

"We accepted the decision to declare both sides as joint winners."

Footage of the incident shows how Bangladesh players were crestfallen as the original decision was announced, and immediately started exchanging words with the on-pitch officials.

In the post-match awards ceremony, representatives of both teams then went up to lift the trophy, which India were able to retain having won it in the last tournament.

As per reports, there was no rule for a coin toss as a decider in any SAFF tournament, or in the International Association Football Board (IAFB) rule book, with the match commissioner subsequently agreeing that the penalty shootout should have been allowed to continue at 11-11.

The AIFF acting secretary-general told The Hindustan Times: "India, despite being declared winners after the spin of coin, decided to accept the officials' request for sharing the trophy as the situation was simmering and a section of the home fans was found indulging in creating disturbances.

"Since the security of the players and other team officials is our utmost priority, the AIFF decided to agree to the request of the organisers."