India Football Team head coach Igor Stimac has once again brought back the PIO/OCI players issue. After India’s 2-1 loss to Qatar, Stimac claimed that India would regularly qualify for World Cup is they allow diaspora players to play in the team. Knowing very well that the Indian government doesn’t allow dual citizenship, Stimac’s latest comments reeks of excuses.
“We’re one of the few countries that still does not allow diaspora players to play – India would be qualifying to the World Cup regularly if we do that,” Stimac said after India’s loss to Qatar.
Excuse from Stimac continues!
Igor Stimac’s excuses continues, now that India have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. After India’s loss Stimac has boldly stated if India allows diaspora players then India would regularly qualify for the World Cups.
But there is no point in Stimac making these statements. As per the laws laid down by the Indian government, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) players can’t represent the country since 2008.
Furthermore, India also doesn’t allow dual citizenship, which means neither the OCI or the PIOs can play for the Blue Tigers. The only way to allow them to play would be them surrendering their passports, staying in India for a year and then applying for an Indian passport.
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