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AFC Reverses Decision on Al-Nassr-Esteghlal Match, Mohun Bagan to Appeal

AFC Reverses Decision on Al-Nassr-Esteghlal Match, Mohun Bagan to Appeal

By October 9, 2024 0

AFC Reverses Decision on Al-Nassr-Esteghlal Match, Mohun Bagan to Appeal

Two days after declaring Mohun Bagan Super Giant as withdrawn from the Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) for not traveling to Iran, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has reversed its decision regarding the match between Esteghlal FC and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. AFC has now instructed Esteghlal FC to find a “neutral” venue for the match, scheduled for October 22.

Mohun Bagan, who had appealed against AFC’s initial decision, is expected to cite this reversal in their appeal. “It does seem odd that Mohun Bagan were treated one way and Al-Nassr-Esteghlal another,” said a club official.

The decision to move the Esteghlal-Al-Nassr match out of Iran comes amid escalating conflict in West Asia. On October 1, Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel, prompting concerns about the safety of traveling to the country.

Mohun Bagan had initially requested that their match against Esteghlal, scheduled for October 2 in Tabriz, Iran, be postponed or moved to a neutral venue. The club cited safety concerns raised by its players, who had signed a declaration expressing their reluctance to travel to Iran.

AFC initially responded by declaring Mohun Bagan as withdrawn from the tournament for failing to report for the match. However, the confederation’s decision regarding the Esteghlal-Al-Nassr match suggests a shift in its stance.

Mohun Bagan is now consulting lawyers and preparing to file an appeal against AFC’s decision. The club believes that the safety concerns raised by its players should have been taken into consideration.

The AFC’s decision to move the Esteghlal-Al-Nassr match out of Iran also affects another ACL2 match. The match between Tractor SC and Ravshan of Tajikistan, scheduled for November 7, will also be moved to a neutral venue.

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India U20s Beat Laos 2-0 to Keep Asian Cup Hopes Alive

India U20s Beat Laos 2-0 to Keep Asian Cup Hopes Alive

By September 29, 2024 0

India’s U20 football team secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over hosts Laos in their final Group G match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Blue Colts struggled to find the net in the first half.

However, the second half saw a more determined Indian side. In the 69th minute, Gwgwmsar Goyary broke the deadlock with a well-taken finish from inside the box. Substitute Thanglalsoun Gangte sealed the victory with a second goal in the 84th minute.

India finished second in the group with six points from three matches, behind Iran (9 points). The top teams of the 10 groups, along with the five best second-place finishers, will qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 in China. India’s fate now depends on the results of other groups to determine if they have secured a spot in the final rounds.

Despite the victory, India’s performance was far from convincing. They squandered a host of chances in the first half and were fortunate not to concede against a spirited Laos side. The Blue Colts will need to improve their finishing and defensive organization if they want to make a deep run in the competition.

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India's U20 Football Team Loses Narrowly to Iran in AFC Qualifiers

India’s U20 Football Team Loses Narrowly to Iran in AFC Qualifiers

By September 28, 2024 0

India’s U20 football team put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short against four-time champions Iran in their second group match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers. Despite holding their formidable opponents at bay for most of the contest, India conceded a late goal in the 88th minute, handing Iran a 1-0 victory.

The Blue Colts displayed commendable resilience against a team considered among the traditional powers of Asian football. With three points from two matches, India’s hopes of finishing second in the group and advancing to the tournament proper remain alive. The top teams of the 10 groups, along with the five best second-place finishers, will qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 in China.

India, currently second in the group with a 4-2 goal difference, will face hosts Laos in their final match on Sunday. Laos lost 0-8 to Iran in their first match. Iran, with six points, remains at the top of the group.

The first half was a relatively even affair, with India holding their own against their skilled rivals. The Indians created several chances to break into the Iranian territory but were unable to capitalize. Iran, on the other hand, struggled to break through India’s resolute defense, with their first real opportunity coming in the 38th minute. However, striker Kasra Taheri’s header went over the bar.

India remained positive in the second half and continued to probe the Iranian defense. They had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 54th minute, and Korou Singh Thingujam narrowly missed the target with a shot just before the hour mark.

As Iran grew increasingly frustrated in their search for a goal, they began to exert more pressure. They won a series of corners and forced India’s goalkeeper, Priyansh Dubey, into a diving save. However, the Indian resilience was finally broken in the 88th minute when substitute Yousef Mazraeh found the bottom corner of the net from inside the box.

Despite the defeat, India’s performance was a credit to their determination and tactical discipline. They will now look to secure a positive result against Laos in their final group match and keep their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup alive.

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India's U20 Football Team Triumphs in AFC Qualifiers Opener

India’s U20 Football Team Triumphs in AFC Qualifiers Opener

By September 26, 2024 0

India’s U20 football team made a triumphant start to their AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers campaign, securing a convincing 4-1 victory over Mongolia on Wednesday. The Blue Colts dominated the match from the outset, relentlessly attacking the Mongolian defense.

Kelvin Singh Taorem opened the scoring for India in the 20th minute with a curling corner that eluded the goalkeeper. Despite Mongolia’s captain being sent off in the 28th minute, they managed to equalize just before halftime through Temulen Uuganbat.

Undeterred, India stepped up their assault in the second half. Manglenthang Kipgen scored two quick goals in the 51st and 54th minutes, restoring India’s lead. Korou Singh Thingujam sealed the victory with a goal in the 85th minute.

India’s victory was a testament to their superior skill and determination. They controlled possession throughout the match and created numerous scoring opportunities. Mongolia, despite their numerical disadvantage, showed resilience and managed to score a consolation goal.

The Blue Colts will now face Iran and hosts Laos in their remaining Group G matches. A win against either team will secure their place in the knockout stage.

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FIFA Seeks Update on AIFF Constitution Amid Legal Delay

FIFA Seeks Update on AIFF Constitution Amid Legal Delay

By July 26, 2024 0

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing scrutiny from FIFA over the delay in adopting its new constitution. In a letter dated June 22, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed concern that they had not received an update from AIFF since July 31, 2023, and requested a response by July 5.

AIFF responded, stating that the matter is currently sub-judice, meaning it is being considered by the Supreme Court of India. However, FIFA-AFC emphasized that the AIFF Congress, as the supreme legislative body of the federation, should have the authority to amend statutes without judicial intervention.

The FIFA-AFC letter refers to a meeting held on May 16, 2023, where AIFF was asked to provide an update on the new constitution. This followed a Supreme Court order appointing former Justice Nageswara Rao to oversee the drafting process. Rao submitted the draft statutes to the court on July 31, 2023, but the matter has since been delayed due to objections from stakeholders.

AIFF has stated that the Supreme Court granted stakeholders the opportunity to file objections to the draft constitution. However, the federation’s objections were initially excluded from the compilation by the court-appointed Amicus Curiae. AIFF was subsequently allowed to file its objections on March 19, 2024.

The delay in adopting the new constitution has raised concerns about AIFF’s compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes. AIFF was suspended by FIFA in August 2022 for third-party influence, but the ban was lifted after the federation held elections in September 2022.

FIFA and AFC have reiterated that AIFF’s constitution must be in line with their statutes and approved by the AIFF general body without any interference from third parties. The ongoing legal proceedings and objections from stakeholders have prevented AIFF from finalizing and adopting the new constitution.

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India Announces 26 Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Camp

India Announces 26 Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Camp

By May 4, 2024 0

Indian football’s quest for a berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 faces a crucial juncture as head coach Igor Stimac unveils his first list of 26 probables for the upcoming Bhubaneswar camp. The Blue Tigers are set to face Kuwait and Qatar in their final two matches of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2.

India currently sits second in the group with four points from four matches, trailing group leaders Qatar by five points. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a spot at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Stimac’s first list of probables includes a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. Goalkeepers Amrinder Singh and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will provide stability between the posts, while defenders Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, and Lalchungnunga will form the backbone of the defense.

Midfielders Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, and Jeakson Singh Thounaojam will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game, while forwards David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, and Sunil Chhetri will lead the attack.

India’s hopes of qualifying for the third round hinge on their ability to secure positive results in their remaining matches. While defeating Qatar in Doha will be a daunting task, the Blue Tigers will be determined to overcome Kuwait on home soil on June 6.

However, Afghanistan’s recent victory over India has cast a shadow over the team’s qualification hopes. Afghanistan now has four points from four matches and could potentially overtake India in the standings.

The Bhubaneswar camp will provide Stimac with an opportunity to assess the fitness and form of his players and finalize his squad for the crucial matches against Kuwait and Qatar. The Blue Tigers will need to perform at their best to keep their World Cup and Asian Cup dreams alive.

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North Korea's World Cup Qualifier Moved to Neutral Venue

North Korea’s World Cup Qualifier Moved to Neutral Venue

By March 22, 2024 0

North Korea’s home World Cup qualifier against Japan on Tuesday will be held at a neutral venue, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced. The decision comes just four days before the scheduled match, leaving little time to find an alternative location.

The AFC confirmed that the game will still take place as planned on Tuesday, but did not disclose the reason for the change in venue. However, Japanese news agency Kyodo reported that North Korea expressed concerns over bacterial infections in Japan.

North Korean officials had initially requested that the match be held in Japan, but the Japanese Football Association (JFA) declined due to the short notice. The JFA also cited security concerns, as Japan’s foreign ministry had warned football fans against traveling to North Korea.

The match in Pyongyang would have been the first game in North Korea for Japan’s men’s team since 2011. It would have also been a rare international football match in North Korea, which has been isolated from the international community due to its nuclear and missile programs.

Despite its isolation, North Korea has qualified for the World Cup twice before. In 1966, they famously beat Italy 1-0 and made it to the quarter-finals. They also qualified in 2010, but were knocked out at the group stage after three defeats.

The change in venue for the World Cup qualifier is the latest setback in relations between Japan and North Korea. The two countries have long been at odds over issues such as Japan’s occupation of the Korean peninsula during World War II and North Korea’s missile tests.

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India Eyes World Cup Qualifying History in Afghanistan Clash

India Eyes World Cup Qualifying History in Afghanistan Clash

By March 14, 2024 0

India’s football team is gearing up for their crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Afghanistan, with the aim of securing a spot in the third phase of the qualifiers for the first time. Coach Igor Stimac emphasized the team’s determination to win the upcoming games and progress to the next round.

India will face Afghanistan in back-to-back matches as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers round 2. The first match will be held in Abha, Saudi Arabia on March 21, while the second will take place in Guwahati, India on March 26.

Stimac acknowledged the team’s disappointing performance at the AFC Asian Cup in January, but stressed that their focus is now on the upcoming qualifiers. “We are not a club that can work with the players on a daily basis,” he said. “The expectations were high without any base.”

India currently stands level on three points with Kuwait in Group A, but has an inferior goal difference. A top-two finish in their group will guarantee progression to Round 3 of the qualifiers, which will also ensure direct qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.

Stimac highlighted the challenges of playing in Abha, which is located at a high altitude of 2,270 meters. “Afghanistan did everything to make it difficult for us,” he said. “Choosing Abha as their home venue was a clever decision.”

Despite the challenges, Stimac expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the obstacles and secure a positive result. “We are going there with a clear mindset, and we’re looking for the points,” he said. “Most of our boys are in decent form at their clubs, and hopefully we can overcome all difficulties and find a way to manage the game in a positive way.”

The Indian team is set to travel to Abha on a chartered plane for their first match against Afghanistan. Stimac believes that the team has the potential to make history by reaching Round 3 of the qualifiers for the first time. “They all have the same dream, so we don’t need to inject any motivation into them,” he said. “We have never made it to Round 3 before, and if we do that, it will then give them new dreams, to qualify for the World Cup in the future.”

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Odisha FC's AFC Cup Journey Ends with Goalless Draw

Odisha FC’s AFC Cup Journey Ends with Goalless Draw

By March 14, 2024 0

Indian Super League club Odisha FC’s hopes of reaching the Inter-Zone final of the AFC Cup were dashed after a goalless draw in the home leg against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Having lost the first leg 4-0 to the A-League side, Odisha FC needed a remarkable comeback to progress. However, they failed to capitalize on the home advantage and conceded the tie 0-4 on aggregate.

The Mariners, who traveled to India with a comfortable cushion, started brightly. Ronald Barcellos and Angel Torres had early chances but were denied by Odisha goalkeeper Amrinder Singh.

Central Coast was awarded a penalty in the first half when Ryan Edmondson was brought down by Carlos Delgado. However, Mikael Doka’s spot-kick was saved by Amrinder.

The visitors continued to control possession but lacked the dominance they displayed in the first leg. Odisha defender Mourtada Fall cleared Max Balard’s free-kick under pressure from Edmondson, while the Englishman missed a volley in a promising position.

In the final quarter, Christian Theoharous had a shot saved by Amrinder, and Miguel Di Pizio’s late effort was deflected wide.

Odisha FC’s elimination from the AFC Cup marks a disappointing end to their continental campaign. The Indian club had reached the group stage for the first time this season but failed to make a significant impact.

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AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

By March 13, 2024 0

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations leveled against All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey by the organization’s former legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. The AFC has requested Bhattacharjee to submit a detailed written report outlining his allegations and supporting evidence by March 18, 2024.

Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Chaubey of involvement in non-transparent tender processes and attempts to misappropriate federation funds for personal expenses. Chaubey has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Bhattacharjee of attempting to damage his reputation.

The AFC’s intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on Indian football’s reputation. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has also weighed in, calling for Chaubey’s resignation and new elections to clean up the AIFF administration.

Bhattacharjee has remained steadfast in his position, claiming that he refused to sign a “lopsided” agreement with Indigo Airlines during his tenure, which would have provided a minimum guarantee of Rs 7 crore for content creation rights without any incentive for Indian football.

Chaubey has provided a point-by-point rebuttal to Bhattacharjee’s allegations, but Bhattacharjee has vowed to submit all his evidence to the AFC. He has also invited others concerned about Indian football to share any information they may have.

The AFC’s investigation could have significant consequences for Indian football. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to sanctions against the AIFF and damage the reputation of the sport in the country. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders in Indian football.

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