India to remain in SAFF, join CAFA as invitational team

The decision will come into effect in 2022.

In a landmark decision by the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA), India are set to be included in their competitions from the year 2022. The federation officially confirmed the decision on Friday.

"The All India Football Federation (AIFF) officially expressed its intention to participate in CAFA competitions. The committee also agreed to include AIFF in CAFA competitions starting from 2022. They will also consider the potential participation of the AIFF youth national teams in CAFA competitions this year," the federation's official statement read.

CAFA will organize the U-18 Men's Championship and U-15 Men's Championship starting October 6 and November 10 later this year. If things go as per plan, the respective age-group Indian football teams will play in the above competitions.

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The CAFA Executive Committee ratified the above-mentioned decision on August 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, All India Football Federation General Secretary Kushal Das spoke exclusively to Khel Now and addressed the new development. He clarified that India will continue to remain a part of SAFF (South Asian Football Federation). That their involvement with CAFA is only from a participation point of view, for the development of the Indian football teams.

"We are very much part of SAFF and will continue to remain part of SAFF. Our request to CAFA was to allow us to participate as an invitational team for various youth, women and other competitions, subject to our commitments with SAFF, AFC and FIFA," he said. "The intention was purely from a development perspective."

Additionally, Das also confirmed that India will play the SAFF Championship next month.

Blue Tigers' draw against Nepal

Meanwhile, the latest match of the senior Indian men's football team took place against Nepal on Thursday, and it ended in a 1-1 draw. Held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, the hosts took a shock lead in the first half, courtesy of a defensive mistake by the Blue Tigers. It was Anjan Bista who found the back of the net for Nepal.

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India equalized in the 60th minute via Anirudh Thapa. Sunil Chhetri's fierce shot from 25 yards could only be palmed into the six-yard box by Nepal goalkeeper Kiran Limbu. An onrushing Thapa was then on hand to react quickly to the rebound and score.

The two teams will be in action once again on Sunday, September 5. The match will take place at the same venue and kickoff will be at 5.15 PM IST.

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