AIFF allows more foreign hands

The professional league, meanwhile, will be acted upon after the task force submits its report in six months time. “After studying the report we will decide if India is ready for it in the near future (read 2-3 years time).”

Among the major decisions taken by the executive, the Federation, though retaining the number of foreigners to three in First Division and Federation Cup, has allowed clubs to register two foreign players in the second division League and an equal number in other AIFF accredited tournaments. “There will be no foreigners in the Third Division NFL,” clarified Munsi.

Though the respective state associations have been delegated power to decide on the entry of foreigners in their state leagues (to a maximum of two per club), it seems highly unlikely that any state would initiate action. One positive aspect to emerge from the meeting was the strict scrutiny of the foreigners.

“Before registering any player, his background will be ascertained, whether he has represented his main team, figured in A or B national sides, besides ensuring that no legal cases are pending against him,” Munsi clarified.

AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta hailed the AIFF decision as a victory for Bengal. “This is a great day for Bengal football. The AIFF top brass has finally understood that if they do away with foreigners for this year, it will be difficult to bring back the sponsors, even if they decide to change the rule again,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, Munsi said that the federation will pick a team for the Doha Asian Games soon and current coach Sukwinder Singh will be in charge till the next year’s mega event. He, however, added that they will be looking to appoint a foreign coach for the national and youth team along with a foreign trainer to support him.

Regarding the telecast rights for the season, Munsi said all major sport broadcasters, including ESPN-Star Sports, Zee, Nimbus, LSM have made their bids and an evaluation committee will look into that soon.