The All India Football Federation (AIFF) risky decision to keep the members of the national squad in Thailand for an extra day has backfired. As ISL clubs are now becoming more adamant about not releasing players in time for the Asian Games 2023 later this month.
India lost to Lebanon on Sunday by a single goal to wrap off their King’s Cup matches. Nine players, all of whom are a part of Igor Stimac’s team for the Asian Games 2023 in China, were requested to stay back as per TOI. This was despite the fact that the AIFF had informed ISL clubs that they would return on Monday (Sept. 11).
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ISL clubs stay strong on their stance
The players were stuck in Thailand for an extra day as AIFF officials talked to clubs about whether they could join the national team and begin Asian Games preparations.
AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran said, ‘We had booked only one ticket for the Asian Games bound players. The plan was to get these players to continue (training) in Thailand and then head to China for the Asian Games.’
He continued, ‘We had the FIFA window till September 12, so we were actively seeking release of players from the clubs.’ Clubs have still not agreed to release players for the Asian Games, prompting AIFF to “release” the players from Thailand. They are all returning home on Tuesday.
The players whose departure was postponed by a day included Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra, Jeakson, Singh, Rahul KP, Rahim Ali, Naorem Mahesh, Suresh Singh, and Lalchungungha. Clubs are reluctant to release their star players for the Indian Super League (ISL), which begins on September 21 and begins two days after the Asian Games.
The ISL is basically an under-24 competition, but teams are permitted to feature three seniors. Additionally taking place outside of the FIFA international window, the Asian Games do not require clubs to release players.
AIFF official on Indian Super League stance
Mumbai City’s inaugural AFC Champions League match against Nassaji Mazandaran is scheduled for September 18. This only makes matters worse of AIFF. Several players will not be available for Odisha FC’s AFC Cup debut against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on September 19, at least for the first game.
Another AIFF official said, ‘The plan now is to take just two players from each team. We do not want to put any club at a disadvantage since the ISL will be in progress. We are hopeful of finding a solution.’
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On September 16, the Indian squad is expected to fly to China. There won’t be a training camp either because clubs aren’t in the mood to release.
At the Asian Games, India’s group matches are against China (September 19), Bangladesh (September 21), and Myanmar (September 24).
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