'It's very difficult for us...' - Igor Stimac addresses issue of PIO players ahead of Syria game

Igor Stimac even pointed to Qatar not having a Qatari player in their lineup.

Prior to the game against Syria in the AFC Asian Cup 2023, Indian national football team coach Igor Stimac expressed his concerns about the challenges India face in keeping up with the global football scene. Stimac pointed out that many nations, such as Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar have adopted a strategy of naturalizing players from various countries, primarily Africa, to bolster their teams. 

“You see whoever you want, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates or even Qatar. Qatar doesn’t have one Qatari player in the starting lineup. They were all selected from various countries from Africa and brought here and trained here in the best football facilities in the world,” Stimac said. These players are often trained in state-of-the-art facilities, providing a competitive edge that is hard to match.”

PIOs will be of benefit

Stimac acknowledged India’s progress in football but highlighted the need to reassess the country’s approach to player recruitment. He emphasized that while other nations benefit from the inclusion of naturalized players, India’s regulations restrict such practices. According to Stimac, this limitation makes it challenging for India to keep pace with countries that are leveraging this strategy to rapidly advance their football programs.

“It’s very difficult for us not to have the possibility of using these tools,” Stimac remarked, referring to the recruitment of naturalized players. He went on to suggest that India should consider allowing foreign players to obtain citizenship, echoing the approach taken by several other nations. By doing so, India could potentially strengthen their national team, benefiting from the experience and skills of players from diverse backgrounds.

Igor Stimac also acknowledged the complexities involved, noting the role of politics in such decisions. However, he urged the government to explore options that align with the global football landscape and facilitate the growth of the sport in India.

While Stimac’s proposal raises important questions about the future of Indian football, it also sparks a conversation about striking a balance between tradition and modernization. As the nation aims to make a mark on the international football stage, finding innovative solutions and adapting to evolving global trends may be crucial for sustained success in the beautiful game.

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