AIFF to allow six foreign players for Super Cup

Panaji: The All India Football Federation () will not make any changes to its competition regulations and will allow to field six foreigners in the playing XI for the .

Just like last season, the AIFF had officially informed the 16 participating clubs that “each participating club may register up to six foreign players and may start a match with all six foreign players”.

However, last week, the competitions department of the AIFF told the League Committee that it has “received requests from some of the clubs participating in the Super Cup regarding a revision to the foreign player registration rule.” Specifically, AIFF said, “the request seeks permission to allow a maximum of four foreign players in the starting eleven out of a total of six foreign players registered.”

Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC are understood to have made the request for change in the foreign player rule.

The AIFF then sought feedback from its League Committee. According to sources, members have asked the federation to stick to the six foreign players rule. Chairman Lalnghinglova Hmar wrote “we may not change the existing rule,” while other members told the federation that rules can be changed only after proper analysis.

“Six foreign players is good for the Super Cup since the winner gets a chance to play in continental competitions where there are no restrictions on the number of foreign players who can be fielded,” said a senior official.

The Super Cup kicks off in Goa with East Bengal taking on RKFC, followed by Mohun Bagan’s clash against Chennaiyin on the opening day.