The upcoming Asian Games 2023 have put Indian national football coach Igor Stimac in a challenging position. Due to clubs’ reluctance to release players during the Indian Super League (ISL) and outside the FIFA international match window, Stimac has been forced to limit his selection to a maximum of two players from each club. In this article, we delve into the implications of this decision, the clubs’ concerns, and the importance of national duty.
The Squad Selection Dilemma for Asian Games 2023
Igor Stimac had initially finalized a 22-member squad for the Asian Games, which is primarily an under-24 tournament but allows the inclusion of three senior players. Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan were the three senior players selected, but complications arise regarding their availability for the tournament.
Club Concerns: The Bengaluru Example
Bengaluru FC, for instance, faces a goalkeeper crisis, with both their goalkeepers, Amrit Gope and Vikram Lakhbir Singh, injured and unlikely to recover in time for the Asian Games. This leaves them with just one fit goalkeeper for the initial phase of the ISL, which directly clashes with the Asian Games. The club had six players initially registered for the Asian Games, including Chhetri and Sandhu. Losing six players for multiple games is a risk no club is willing to take. Therefore, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sought the release of only two players – Chhetri and Suresh – from the club.
Adjustments in Squad Selection
Mumbai City, which initially had three players registered, made adjustments as well. Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) was left out, with Stimac opting for Akash Mishra and Vikram Partap. Other clubs are also likely to follow suit in reducing the number of players released for the Asian Games.
AIFF’s Plea to Clubs
The AIFF has appealed to clubs to release players in the interest of the nation. Shaji Prabhakaran, AIFF secretary general, urged clubs to consider releasing players outside the FIFA window and “stand with the country.” He emphasized the importance of national interest and the government’s decision to depute the team for the Asian Games.
Challenges for Clubs
Clubs have voiced concerns about releasing key players during the ongoing ISL season. Releasing players during a crucial phase of the league could lead to them missing three to four games, potentially impacting their performance for the entire season. Clubs argue that delaying the start of the ISL until after the Asian Games would resolve this issue.
The Road Ahead for Indian National Team
The Indian men’s team is ranked 99th in the FIFA rankings and is the second-best ranked team in Group A, behind hosts China. Myanmar and Bangladesh complete the group. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams across all groups will advance to the pre-quarterfinals.
The Indian team’s campaign in the Asian Games kicks off on September 19 against hosts China, followed by matches against Bangladesh on September 21 and Myanmar on September 24. India has a rich history in Asian Games football, having won gold medals in 1951 and 1962 and a bronze in 1970.
The club versus country dilemma continues to be a complex issue in Indian football. While the AIFF seeks the cooperation of clubs to release players for national duty, clubs are wary of the impact on their ongoing ISL campaigns. The Asian Games 2023 present a challenging situation that requires careful management to balance club interests and national pride. The decisions made in the coming days will determine the composition of the Indian national team and its chances in this prestigious tournament.
