AIFF postpone India Camp for AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

The AIFF will have an open dialogue on Tuesday evening with the clubs in a bid to release players for the camp.

The India U-23 National Camp which was scheduled to commence from August 12 has been postponed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) according to the report published by Times of India. 

The reason for the postponement has been due to some Indian Super League clubs’ disapproval to release players four weeks before U-23 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. It is also believed that clubs like Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan have respective continental games lined up.

The AIFF have now sought a window of discussion between the federation, Head Coach Igor Stimac and all the ISL coaches in a bid to convince clubs to release the players. It is understood that the meeting between the stakeholders is expected to be held today (Tuesday) evening.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the AIFF, Shaji Prabhakaran in the letter sent to the clubs wrote, “With the ongoing Durand Cup, and based on the responses from the ISL Clubs, we have postponed the India U-23 camp from August 20 from August 12. The list of players remain the same.”

Igor Stimac in one of his interviews with TOI quoted, “I am expecting really good responses from the ISL Coaches.” He further went on and added, “They all understand how important it is for the coach to have enough time (for preparations). They have been great for the last four years. Now we have to find a way where we cannot also hurt the calendar which they are trying to implement. It’s really challenging.”

India are drawn against Maldives, hosts China and the United Arab Emirates. The qualifiers are scheduled to take place from September 6-12, respectively. Clifford Miranda, who was felicitated with the AIFF Men’s coach of the year has been given the responsibility to guide the the Blue Colts, as the Senior Men’s head coach Igor Stimac will be away with the Senior Team for the Kings Cup in Thailand scheduled in the same timeframe. 

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