AIFF gets tough on overage issue

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) warned on Monday it will take strict action against overage players as well as the associations which will field them in the final round of the Sub Junior (under-16) National Football Championship for Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy. The federation has written to all the state teams to adhere to the prescribed age-limit strictly. “AIFF emergency committee has viewed with concern complaints about fielding overage players in the ongoing 32nd Sub Junior National Championship for Mir Iqbal Hussain Trophy Zonal Qualification Rounds,” an AIFF statement said.

“The teams have also been informed that AIFF appointed doctors will carry out random MRI checks. If found guilty,the players will not be allowed to take part in the tournament and the matter will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee or appropriate action against the erring players and state associations,” it added. Zonal qualifying rounds are going on across the country and there has been complaints of over-age players. Major states like Goa and West Bengal have sent young squads to the tournament as per regulations,but many states have sent boys aged 17-18 years.

Earlier this year,the AIFF had to send back over 20 boys from the India under-16 camp for failed medical tests.