Asian Games 2023: Are ISL clubs not allowing Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sandesh Jhingan to travel?
The AIFF had even contemplated the possibility of withdrawing the men's team from the competition.
Last Updated: 08.34 PM, Sep 12, 2023
With only a few days remaining until the commencement of the 2023 Asian Games, there has been an update regarding the Indian football squad. It has come to light that three prominent senior players - Sunil Chhetri, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and defender Sandesh Jhingan - will not be making the journey to Hangzhou, China.
As reported by the Times of India, this decision stems from their respective Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, Bengaluru FC and FC Goa, declining to release them for the tournament.
The three senior players were added to the Indian squad following a late entry request made by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), a request that was championed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and accepted by the Asian Games organizers.
The AIFF convened a special executive committee meeting on Monday to deliberate the participation of the men's team in the Asian Games. The crux of the issue lies in the fact that the Asiad football schedule overlaps with the ISL, which is set to kick off on September 21, while the football event at the Asian Games is scheduled to commence on September 19.
What are the ISL clubs saying?
The ISL clubs have justified their decision not to release players for national duty by arguing that the Asian Games do not fall within the FIFA international window. It's important to note that in the Asian Games, football is classified as an under-23 event, permitting the inclusion of up to three senior players in the playing XI.
In the face of these challenges, the AIFF had even contemplated the possibility of withdrawing the men's team from the competition to avoid potential embarrassment. Ultimately, the decision was made to send the team to China.
The AIFF is now planning to hold discussions with the ISL clubs, with the aim of requesting the release of two players from each of their teams.
However, even if the clubs agree to release two players of their choice, India will face a new hurdle. The IOA will need to submit a fresh application to the Olympic Council of Asia to seek approval for the revised football squad.
Time is of the essence, as the Indian squad is scheduled to depart for Hangzhou on September 16, leaving the AIFF and IOA with just five days to complete the necessary paperwork.
Meanwhile, the Indian under-23 team is currently participating in the Asian Cup U23 qualifiers in China under the guidance of Clifford Miranda, and the availability of head coach Igor Stimac for the Games hinges on how he responds to the changes in the squad.