Why will Ryan Williams not make his India debut against Bangladesh in AFC Asian Cup Qualifier?

The Australia-born recently acquired Indian citizenship.

The Australia-born Ryan Williams, who has travelled with the Indian squad to Bangladesh, will not be making his debut on Tuesday. The Bengaluru FC Forward acquired Indian citizenship earlier this month after relinquishing his Australian passport.

The Indian head coach, Khalid Jamil, called up Ryan Williams to the national camp in Bengaluru following the announcement of his Indian citizenship. Williams has also travelled with the squad to Bangladesh, but his appearance in the match was subject to NOC from the Australian federation and FIFA. Reportedly, Ryan Williams will not be seen in action for India on Tuesday.

Ryan to miss his debut

According to a Times of India report, Ryan Williams received his NOC from Football Australia, the Australian federation, but the approval from FIFA has not followed suit in time. Without the approval of the global governing body, FIFA, the Indian team cannot draft Ryan Williams into the matchday squad.

The matchday squad has to be made a day before the matchday, and the Indian team missed this deadline, which will result in Ryan Williams missing out on his India debut in the November FIFA International Window. The 32-year-old has also made an international appearance for Australia in the past.

Also Read: India to face Bangladesh in desperate bid to register first victory in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

Debut next year?

For Ryan Williams, this was the last opportunity this year to feature in the Indian squad. The November FIFA Window is the last international window this year, and the Blue Tigers will not be playing any international matches in 2025 after the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash against Bangladesh.

The Indian team will be back in action next year in the March FIFA International Window. The Khalid Jamil-led side will lock horns with Hong Kong in their last AFC Asian Cup Qualifier in March 2026. Ryan Williams will have to wait till then to don the Indian colours.

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