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The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to postpone the national camp for the under-23 team ahead of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers and the Asian Games 2023. The reason for this decision is the non-availability of players from the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, who have refused to release their players for the camp.
The AIFF had originally planned to start the camp on August 12 in Bhubaneswar, but has now pushed it back to August 20. The list of players remains the same, as per AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran. The camp is meant to prepare the team for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, which will be held in China from September 6 to 12. India will face Maldives, China, and UAE in their group fixtures.
“With the ongoing Durand Cup, and based on the responses from ISL clubs due to pre-season. We have postponed the India Under-23 camp to August 20 from August 12 in Bhubaneswar. The list of players remains the same,” AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran wrote.
However, several ISL clubs have expressed their reluctance to let their players join the camp, citing various reasons. Some clubs have continental commitments, such as Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, who are playing in the AFC Cup. Mumbai City FC is also preparing for the AFC Champions League, which will start on September 18.
The AIFF has tried to resolve the issue by arranging an open discussion between national coach Igor Stimac and the ISL coaches on Tuesday. Stimac has appealed to the ISL clubs to cooperate with him and release their players for national duty, especially for the Asian Games 2023, which will take place outside the FIFA international window.
Igor Stimac sent a message to all Indian Super League (ISL) clubs on Saturday, August 5, by using social media. Prior to a number of crucial matches, the Croatian has pleaded with all ISL teams to allow their Indian international players to train with the national team.The under-23 team will be coached by Clifford Miranda, as Stimac will be busy with the senior national team at the King's Cup in Thailand.
