ISL boss Ambani approves 4 foreign players regulation for 2021-22 season

Indian Super League on Monday approved 3+1 foreign player regulation for matches of franchise-based event, bringing it down from existing five to boost "increased participation" of local players. regulation will become part of competition guidelines from eighth season in 2021-22. decision was taken during a Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL) meeting attended by its chairperson Nita Ambani and is being communicated with stakeholders including clubs and All India Football Federation (AIFF).

ISL boss approves 4 foreign players regulation

As per new regulation, an ISL club could sign maximum of six foreigners in squ including a compulsory Asian origin player, with four foreigners on field.  3+1 foreign player rules are governed by Asian Football Confederation competition regulation. move is expected to boost increased participation of Indian players in top-flight competition. Currently an ISL club is allowed to sign up to seven international players and play a maximum of five on field.

"ISL has always exhibited a progressive and aptive nature to ir operations. Since 2014, ISL has improvised on many front with each year and today is yet ar such example of ISL's forward-looking statement on Indian football," said a football ministrator.

" four foreigners regulation will go a long way in redefining Indian football in years to come. It's a positive and welcome step which will benefit our Indian players immensely. change will certainly open up key position for Indian players in line-up," he said. 

ISL has been conferred top football league status in India by Asian Football Confederation and FIFA in 2019.  Since ISL is w part of AFC competitive regulations, change in foreign player guidelines in Indian football is an important step towards Indian league aligning to Asian football international regulations.  " decision is an outcome of ISL and its clubs' aligned vision with national federation (All Indian Football Federation) and a result of joint consultation," league said.

In May, AIFF's executive committee unanimously implemented '3 (foreigners) + 1 (Asian) recruit rule' for I-League matches from 2020-21 season.  n, apex body h said ISL organisers, FSDL, will work with AIFF and present a plan on way forward for foreign players in next couple of months. 

Im credits: ISL