Times of India | 5 days ago | 22-09-2022 | 01:13 am
Panaji: Several clubs have asked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to allow more foreign players in the matchday squad for this edition of the I-League.Last season, clubs were allowed to sign and register a maximum of six foreign players, but only four of them -- three players of any nationality and one from an AFC member association -- could be part of the matchday squad. The other two players were left to watch from the stands.Clubs feel signing two additional foreign players without all of them being able to play an active role in most matches is a waste of resources.“Clubs have called me and asked to allow some foreign players to be on the substitutes’ bench,” Sunando Dhar, CEO leagues and development for All India Football Federation (AIFF) told TOI on Wednesday. “I’ve asked them to write to AIFF formally and we would take it up at the league committee meeting next week.”Many clubs have already signed more than the three plus one foreign players allowed to take the field.Defending champions Gokulam Kerala FC, for example, have five confirmed foreign signings and are expected to complete their quota with a new Asian player to replace Tajikistan winger Daler Yodgorov.“The two additional foreign players have no role to play unless there is injury or suspension (to the regular foreigners),” said Gokulam Kerala owner VC Praveen. “If a foreigner is not performing (on the field), we have to replace him with an Indian. We want two foreign players to be allowed on the bench. Seeing another foreign player on the bench will keep up the pressure on those who are playing.”India coach Igor Stimac has supported the existing 3+1 rule in I-League, saying it would help more youngsters take to the field.The Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s top-tier league, allows registration of six foreign players, all of whom can be included in the matchday squad. A maximum of four foreigners can be on the field at any given point of time.Meanwhile, the I-League will kick off on October 29 with 11 teams, following the withdrawal of Indian Arrows and the relegation of Kenkre FC.“We had an inquiry from a corporate for a direct entry, but we are going ahead with 11 teams for this season,” said Dhar. “We have a long-term plan, and with FIFA also involved with the strategic plan, we cannot take any short-term measures.”
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