ISL Clubs Request AIFF to Reconsider National Camp Mandate: Indian football is at a crucial juncture with several major tournaments on the horizon. However, a clash of priorities has emerged as Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to reconsider the mandate to release players for national camps. This request is especially concerning the U-23 AFC Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers and the Asian Games 2023, as they overlap with the domestic season.
Here’s an overview of the situation and its potential impact on Indian football: ISL Clubs Request AIFF to Reconsider National Camp Mandate
ISL Clubs’ Concerns
East Bengal, Mumbai City FC, and Kerala Blasters have written to the AIFF requesting not to release players for the U-23 AFC Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers. The dates of the tournament and the Asian Games 2023 coincide with the domestic season, leading to potential squad depletion.
Overlapping Schedules
The U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers will be held in Dalian, China, from September 6 to September 12. The preparatory camp is scheduled to begin on August 12 in Bhubaneswar. However, the Durand Cup and AFC Cup qualifying rounds are also taking place during the same time frame.
FIFA International Window Exclusion
Unlike FIFA international windows, the Asian Games and AFC Asian Cup qualifications fall outside of those time frames, putting the responsibility on clubs to release players. This poses a challenge as domestic clubs have their league commitments during this period.
Coach Stimac’s Appeal
Head coach Igor Stimac made a “sincere request” to all ISL clubs to release selected players for an extended preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup. He emphasized the importance of longer national camps for better team performance.
Importance of Longer Camps
Stimac and the players have credited the success in Intercontinental and SAFF Championship to longer national camps. The upcoming tournaments, including AFC U23 qualifiers and Asian Games, demand thorough preparation to compete against strong Asian opponents.
The Federation’s Meeting
The AIFF is planning to hold a meeting with the clubs to resolve the matter and find a middle ground that considers the interests of both the national team and domestic clubs.
Paris Olympics Qualifying Opportunity
The U-23 AFC Asian Cup 2024 serves as a qualifying competition for the Paris Olympics, providing India with a golden chance to participate in the prestigious event for the first time since 1960.
As Indian football aims to make significant strides on the international stage, the collective efforts of ISL clubs, AIFF, and the national team are paramount. Balancing domestic league commitments with national team preparations is essential for success in crucial tournaments. Finding common ground between the clubs and the federation will be crucial to ensure Indian football’s continued growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
Let us hope that all parties can come together, prioritize the development of Indian football, and pave the way for the best players to represent the country in major competitions, thereby elevating India’s footballing stature in the world.
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