Indian Super League Set to Abandon Asian Player Rule, Raise Salary Cap for 2024-25 Season

Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have been informed that there may be changes to the coach and player selection guidelines, with the signing of an Asian player no longer being mandatory.

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ISL Plans Major Overhaul: Eliminating Asian Quota and Raising Salary Cap

ISL clubs, along with those in the I-League, Indian football’s second-tier league, are currently permitted to sign five international players in addition to one from a member association of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which includes Australia. A maximum of four foreign players are allowed on the field at any given time.

However, from next season, the ISL plans to eliminate the ‘Asian quota,’ following a change in the AFC club competition guidelines. According to sources, the organizers have informed the clubs about the potential changes.

“There is no formal communication from ISL about the changes, but clubs have been informally informed about the ‘tentative possible changes‘ for next season,” a source tracking the development told TOI on Sunday. “From the 2024-25 season, the AFC has allowed teams to register an unlimited number of foreign players for the Champions League. There is no longer an Asian quota, and several countries will announce changes.”

The possible change to the Asian player rule is likely to be welcome news for Indian clubs, who often feel compelled to sign players that do not offer value for money.

“The Asian player change is fantastic and will make a significant difference,” said a senior club official. “Asian players are expensive, and most do not offer good value for money based on their on-field performance. It is better to make foreign signings without geographic restrictions.”

Among ISL clubs, champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Mumbai City, East Bengal, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters, and Bengaluru FC have Asian players contracted for next season.

In fact, ISL champions Mohun Bagan have three ‘Asian’ players, all from Australia, with forwards Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings together scoring 22 goals in their Shield-winning campaign. Petratos was voted player of the season for his 10 goals and seven assists.

Besides eliminating the Asian quota, the ISL is also considering increasing the salary cap from Rs 16.5 crore to Rs 18 crore, with two players—either domestic or international—from each club being exempt from the salary cap.

Until last season, only a marquee player’s salary was outside the cap.

The new guidelines will allow clubs to spend freely on international players without being constrained by the salary cap.

Golden Boot Winner Dimitrios Diamantakos Departs Kerala Blasters, Attracts Interest from Mumbai City

After spending two years with Kerala Blasters, last season’s ISL Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos has announced his departure from the team.

Reigning ISL champions Mumbai City have expressed interest in signing the Greek forward.

“Unfortunately, these two amazing, full of exciting adventures and experiences, years in Kerala have come to an end,” the 31-year-old wrote on social media.

“I do not have words to express myself for the moments we have cherished together as a team. You made me feel more welcomed than ever, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that,” said the center forward. He also mentioned that the continuous support and love from the fans since day one has been incredible, and he will always remember them.

Diamantakos scored 23 goals in 37 appearances for the Blasters over two seasons.

There were strong indications from the Blasters’ management and players about Diamantakos’s potential departure.

With Australian center forward Jaushua Sotirio returning to full fitness, the Blasters completing the signing of Moroccan forward Noah Sadaoui from FC Goa, and extending Adrian Luna’s contract for another three years, Diamantakos’s prospects of making the starting XI appeared slim. Sources close to the player indicated that he was concerned about getting sufficient game time in the Blasters’ lineup.