Once discussion is done and decision is made,PIL industry will have a field day, filing PIL and destroying/delaying the process is a luxurious career and a stepping stone to power corridor.This entire PIO/NRI/OCI thing should be done in such a manner that,no one can do any meddling,such should be the solution.Also I believe India will somehow manage to qualify for the third round,We may play with Indian origin players in 3rd round.
India to face Iraq first in Thailand Kings cup. It will be a tough test for us, but it's an opportunity to know where exactly we stand in away games against top team.
Once discussion is done and decision is made,PIL industry will have a field day, filing PIL and destroying/delaying the process is a luxurious career and a stepping stone to power corridor.This entire PIO/NRI/OCI thing should be done in such a manner that,no one can do any meddling,such should be the solution.Also I believe India will somehow manage to qualify for the third round,We may play with Indian origin players in 3rd round.
Not so fast. Expect some decision by next season or next.
Now they are compiling data of available PIO/OCI footballers. After this, they will pitch the case. Govt will deliberate the issues and take everyone's concurrence before deciding. It may get derailed in between.
Iraq is bringing in some good Europe based players for King's Cup
It is nothing new. They always try Europe based players (mainly Sweden, Denmark, Norway etc) in friendly games & invitational tournaments. If someone is good, they will be integrated to WCQ & Asian cup final squad.
As per marcus, AIFF shortlisted 31 probable's and clubs were informed that Team India will fiy on Sep 4th & will be on Sep 11th.
Mostly, it will be 2-3 training camp in Kolkata. Also our team is flying right after Durand cup final and few players will miss even this 2-3 training due to Durand Cup.
Strictly against allowing OCI card holders to play or represent India in sports. If Government wants that, amend constitution, allow dual citizenship for all eligible Indian origin people. I dont see why litigations wouldnt follow instantly if this circus goes on. The focus should be to develop players in India and not import. Pakistan is an example, this shit doesnt work.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced on Friday, the 18th of August, the confirmation of Tajikistan’s participation in the upcoming Merdeka Cup. The team in red have come in as the direct replacement of Lebanon.
The biggest cause behind the Lebanese national team pulling the plug at the eleventh hour is that they are in the same group with Palestine in the second round of the 2026 World Cup/Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
The matter had emerged as a concern a few days back, and it was rumoured that both Palestine and Lebanon might withdraw from the tournament. Addressing the matter, FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman said: “We are aware that Palestine and Lebanon are in the same World Cup qualifying group. We have not received news that the concerned teams will withdraw from the Merdeka Tournament.”
But fast forwarding to Friday, Lebanon have officially withdrawn from the tournament, with Tajikistan emerging as the instant replacement for the Cedars. The Persian Lions will now play against Palestine in the semi-final fixture, on the 13th of October.
“FAM received the withdrawal letter from the Lebanon FA on Monday. The letter stated the withdrawal was because Lebanon and Palestine were in the same group of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” said FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman.
“On the following day, we received confirmation from the Tajikistan FF that they would play in the tournament, replacing Lebanon.” he added.
Does Tajikistan’s entry now pose a new challenge for India?
Tajikistan’s entry into the Merdeka Cup, now poses a new and exciting challenge for Igor Stimac and his men, as they are now presented with the prospect of facing a familiar foe.
India’s record against the Persian Lions is also not very impressive, as in their five encounters till date, the Blue Tigers have won only once, and have tasted defeat on three different occasions.
Despite drawn in different semi-final fixtures, the two teams have a chance of encountering in the 2023 Merdeka Cup, given that they win their respective games and meet in the final, or taste defeat in the semis, and battle it out in the third-place playoff.
Per Stimac's recent interview he is regularly in touch with Yan Dhanda and Danny Batth & both of them are desperate to play for India. Hope we really get something going this time
Comments
Mostly, it will be 2-3 training camp in Kolkata. Also our team is flying right after Durand cup final and few players will miss even this 2-3 training due to Durand Cup.
Tajikistan replace Lebanon in Merdeka Cup 2023
Tajikistan are ranked 110th in the FIFA rankings.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) announced on Friday, the 18th of August, the confirmation of Tajikistan’s participation in the upcoming Merdeka Cup. The team in red have come in as the direct replacement of Lebanon.
The biggest cause behind the Lebanese national team pulling the plug at the eleventh hour is that they are in the same group with Palestine in the second round of the 2026 World Cup/Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
The matter had emerged as a concern a few days back, and it was rumoured that both Palestine and Lebanon might withdraw from the tournament. Addressing the matter, FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman said: “We are aware that Palestine and Lebanon are in the same World Cup qualifying group. We have not received news that the concerned teams will withdraw from the Merdeka Tournament.”
But fast forwarding to Friday, Lebanon have officially withdrawn from the tournament, with Tajikistan emerging as the instant replacement for the Cedars. The Persian Lions will now play against Palestine in the semi-final fixture, on the 13th of October.
“FAM received the withdrawal letter from the Lebanon FA on Monday. The letter stated the withdrawal was because Lebanon and Palestine were in the same group of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers,” said FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman.
“On the following day, we received confirmation from the Tajikistan FF that they would play in the tournament, replacing Lebanon.” he added.
Does Tajikistan’s entry now pose a new challenge for India?
Tajikistan’s entry into the Merdeka Cup, now poses a new and exciting challenge for Igor Stimac and his men, as they are now presented with the prospect of facing a familiar foe.
India’s record against the Persian Lions is also not very impressive, as in their five encounters till date, the Blue Tigers have won only once, and have tasted defeat on three different occasions.
Despite drawn in different semi-final fixtures, the two teams have a chance of encountering in the 2023 Merdeka Cup, given that they win their respective games and meet in the final, or taste defeat in the semis, and battle it out in the third-place playoff.
https://khelnow.com/football/2023-08-indian-football-merdeka-cup-tajikistan-participate