AIFF to approach 24 PIO players to represent Indian football team: Kalyan Chaubey

The PIO players have to reside in India for 12 months before being eligible for the citizenship.

The inclusion of Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players in the Indian football team has been a subject of extensive deliberation for an extended period. As per the latest report, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey has stated about the possibility of selecting such players for national duty.

24 PIO players who are playing across the world will be approached to represent the nation at the world stage. Kalyan Chaubey said in an interview to PTI, “We are looking to approach 24 PIO players who are playing across the world. But you know there is the issue of dual citizenship (not being permitted to play for India). So, we have to see how this can be done within the framework of Central Government’s rules.”

“We are having internal discussions on the matter and will come out with more details once more clarity is established,” he added further.

According to the minutes of the Executive Committee meeting held on November 9, it was mentioned that a sub-committee of the AIFF, led by Samir Thapar, the president of the Punjab Football Association, has been assigned the task of gathering and analyzing data and information related to the subject. The purpose of this effort is to assist the national federation in making an informed decision.

According to the current regulations, individuals of Indian origin who wish to represent India must obtain Indian citizenship. Furthermore, it is a requirement for these individuals to reside in India for a duration of 12 months before being eligible to apply for citizenship.

Chaubey also mentioned that India’s main objective is to compete against top European teams, as this will greatly contribute to the growth of football in the country. He said, “The most pragmatic approach would entail competing against nations ranked between 76 and 100. Such match-ups would greatly bolster the morale of our team. Once our ranking reaches the top 75-80, it would be advisable to seek encounters with European teams.”

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