The Indian males’s soccer group could have a really busy worldwide calendar beginning with the Inter-Continental Cup in June until the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in November and December, AIFF secretary common Shaji Prabhakaran mentioned on Friday.
The Merdeka Cup, a Malaysia-based event which used to be an everyday fixture within the senior nationwide group’s calendar from the Sixties to mid 80s, can also be again this yr alongside one other legacy occasion — Kings Cup in Bangkok.
The All India Football Federation, in a slew of selections at its Executive Committee assembly, have additionally determined to bar overseas gamers from taking part within the I-League Division 2 together with outstanding state leagues equivalent to Calcutta Football League (CFL), Goa League, federation president Kalyan Chaubey introduced throughout a media interplay.
For ladies’s soccer, there’s some excellent news as minimal wage for a participant has been set at Rs 3.2 lakh for all those that could be collaborating within the Indian Women’s League (IWL).
To a question from PTI as to how the Indian males’s group is making ready for the Asian Cup finals, scheduled early subsequent yr, Prabhakaran mentioned: “We are taking part in Inter-Continental Cup in June adopted by SAFF Championship in the identical month. The Indian males are then taking part in Kings Cup in Bangkok adopted by Merdeka Cup in October. November-December is time for World Cup qualifiers.”
The secretary general said that there is a plan in place to have a month-long camp before the Asian Cup next year.
“We haven’t yet decided, but we might have a camp for a month,” Prabhakaran mentioned.
However, Indian Super League begins from September and there shall be breaks when the Indian group shall be on nationwide obligation.
About the revival of Merdeka Cup, Chaubey mentioned: “I had a gathering with the president of the Malaysian Football federation. The Merdeka Cup was stopped in 2013. I requested him that if they begin the event, India would love to take part as it’s a very well-known event in our a part of the world.
“They are beginning the event this yr and have prolonged an invite for India.”
No more Chimas, Emekas, Majids and Odafas
The Calcutta Football League has made many foreign players superstars in the past but the AIFF president said that local leagues having Nigerian strikers doesn’t augur well for Indian football.
“If in I-League division 2 or state leagues (CFL, GFA league) a 5 feet 9 inch boy weighing 65 kilo has to compete against a big-bodied African, he has no chance. We want to create level playing ground.
“You see ISL and there is dearth of Indian strikers. So for development of Indian strikers, we won’t allow foreigners in I-League second division and various state leagues.”
So from now, the likes of Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting and Churchill Brothers could have to play native leagues with home-grown expertise.
Round Glass Punjab has utilized for licensing
Round Glass Punjab, the winner of I-League division one, is engaged on fulfilling the license standards for enjoying the cash-rich Indian Super League subsequent season.
“If they refill the standards, they may play as we’re beginning the promotion from I-League to ISL. However, there shall be no relegation as of now,” Chaubey said.
Chaubey also said that the AIFF wants to revive legacy tournaments like the Rovers Cup, Stafford Cup and Bordoloi Trophy.
Currently, AIFF has 198 ‘A’ license holder coaches.
Project Diamond in association with FIFA TDS
The focus will also be on Youth Development as a group of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) coaches will be arriving on May 3 to work on youth development programme. FIFA TDS is headed by Arsene Wenger, but it wasn’t clarified whether the legendary former Arsenal manager would be present in person.
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