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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Slide in FIFA chart has a lot to do with complex, fluctuating nature of ranking system: Kalyan Chaubey
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey on Sunday (August 10, 2025) sought to attribute the national men's team's slide in the FIFA chart to a 'complex and fluctuating' nature of the ranking system but expressed hope for a turnaround with wins over teams placed higher in the list. The Indian team slumped to its lowest ranking in nine years as it dropped six places to 133rd in the FIFA chart issued on July 10. 'FIFA ranking is based on historical performance of a national team in the international matches played in the preceding years. It is determined using the Elo Model. This method adds or subtracts points for matches to or from a team's existing total point,' Mr. Chaubey said. 'As you understand the formula for calculating this ranking, you will realise it fluctuates year on year. It depends on the number of matches the team plays and the ranking of the opponent. In 2023, we moved to 99 from 106 when I took charge, and now in 2025, from 99 we have gone down to 133,' he added. After winning three tournaments in 2023, the Indian team moved inside top 100 at 99th place in July 2023 rankings, but from there the slide began. From 102nd in December 2023, the team dropped down to 117th after losing to Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria during the AFC Asian Cup in January 2024. 'The losses against very strong teams like Australia and Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup led to the national team losing a lot of places in the rankings,' Mr. Chaubey said. 'Of course, the less-than-satisfactory performance in subsequent matches did not help the team but it was not that bad. We lost five matches out of 12, including one against formidable Qatar, after the Asian Cup. We won one and drew six. 'I am hoping that the team will rise again if it does well in the CAFA Nations Cup and the remaining Asian Cup qualifying round matches.' Mr. Chaubey, a former India goalkeeper, also mentioned India's beginning from the bottom of the chart when the FIFA first published it in December 1992. 'FIFA first published ranking in December 1992, and India was ranked 143rd. So, from day one, India's FIFA ranking was 143 out of 211 member countries. Thereafter, India went down to 173 in 2015 and then rose to 97 in 2018,' he said. 'India's best ranking was 94 in February 1996, much before the NFL kicked off.' He said that the popularity of club football in the country does not reflect in the national team's FIFA rankings from the beginning to now. 'Between 1970-1995 and 1996-2013, Indian football has seen growth through private investment and increasing fan engagement in club tournaments like Durand Cup, Rovers Cup, IFA Shield, Stafford Cup or Bordoloi Trophy and later in NFL/I-League,' he said. 'After 2014 (start of ISL) till now, we have seen more development and popularity in club football through ISL by the involvement of Reliance, TATA, JSW, Goenka, Emami, Star India etc. They played a pivotal role in shaping a new era. 'Over the last decade, Indian football has seen remarkable progress, including the upliftment of stadium infrastructure, improvement in club professionalism and quality of play, enhanced logistical support for players with better pay scales, and world-class production/broadcasting-making it one of the most viewed leagues in Asia. 'So, club football significantly grew in India, and we can say today ISL is one of the most viewed leagues in Asia but that did not reflect in the national team. I would say most of the investment had gone to the club football than a national team's development.' Talking about the way forward, he said, 'All the stakeholders of Indian football need better coordination to ensure that adequate investment is put in youth development so that India qualify in the U17 World Cup on merit. 'Other option is to get an amendment through Govt. policies so that the men's national team also gets naturalised players. The AIFF expresses gratitude to the Sports Ministry for providing an option in the proposed Sports Bill to include OCI/PIO players. 'However, this provision alone is not sufficient for the Indian football team, as per FIFA Statutes, to allow naturalised players to represent the national team. Nonetheless, we believe that with collective efforts, the AIFF will continue its discussions with the competent authority,' he said.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
HT Kick Off: The challenges Jamil could face
The appointment of Khalid Jamil as head coach has come at a time when uncertainty is the only certainty in football in India. The inability of All India Football Federation (AIFF) to announce the duration of Jamil's contract, or when he will be released by current employers Jamshedpur FC, while naming him the men's team head coach fits into a narrative where a court verdict is pending and the future of the Indian Super League (ISL) in animated suspension. Khalid Jamil needs to be ready in quick time for his first international assignment. (HT) Since Jamil has not spoken — how can he, given that he is busy with Durand Cup — we do not know how he has planned his first international assignment in the short, medium and long term. Jamil has asked, and is likely to get, a three-year contract. But one week after being named Manolo Marquez's replacement, India does not know how he proposes to lift the team from the bottom of the 2027 Asian Cup qualification group. Or, what he would want to achieve in the CAFANations Cup beginning later this month. This was not how Stephen Constantine and Igor Stimac, head coaches from 2015 to 2024, were appointed. Albert Roca was said to be a shoo-in because of his success at Bengaluru FC but Stimac got the job in 2019 because he had aced the interview. Even though he had never worked in India, Stimac impressed AIFF with his knowledge of players in ISL and I-League, it was said at the time. Neither the executive committee nor the technical committee got to hear what the final shortlist of Constantine, Jamil or Štefan Tarkovič would offer a men's national team in urgent need of repairs. The club-country tussle But that bridge has been crossed, the appointment made. Can AIFF now give Jamil the best possible chance to deliver? Assuming Jamshedpur FC release Jamil in national interest, his first assignment does not start in a FIFA window which means teams in the Durand Cup are unlikely to release players before they exit the tournament. If FC Goa qualify for the Asian Champions League 2 – they play Al-Seeb in a winners-take-all one-off qualifier on Wednesday –will they release players for national duty? Will Mohun Bagan Super Giant who have started training for ACL2 main round in September? Sunil Chhetri's club Bengaluru FC have suspended salaries of first team players and staff. Source: (ISL) Add to that a number of clubs not having started pre-season because, well, they do not know when the season will start. Calling players from Chennaiyn FC, Bengaluru FC, or Odisha FC, could be risky, especially if there is no scope for at least a two-week preparatory camp. A squad without the regulars from Bengaluru FC would be severely depleted. One where a number of players join after the Durand Cup final on August 23 could be under-prepared against Tajikistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Or will Jamil go for the left-field choice of players whose club careers he has helped revive but who have not been in the national team in the recent past? Whatever it is, suddenly, what seemed like a good move to get players game time could devolve into a situation marginally better than the 2023 Asian Games fiasco. Jamil is a football obsessive who has consistently got teams to punch above their weight. For the Asian Cup qualifiers, where India is the top ranked team, can he continue to be the underdogs' coach who took Aizawl FC, NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC to glory? The low block and long balls that bypass the midfield will not work against teams that could adopt the same tactics. After all, you cannot park the bus against teams that park the bus. So, Jamil may have to evolve into a coach he has not been. The difference between good and great would lie in his ability to do that. For more on Jamil, read here and here. Play of the week
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Super Cup start to season, league to follow: AIFF
New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) will conduct the Super Cup before the Indian Super League (ISL), federation president Kalyan Chaubey said on Thursday following a meeting with CEOs of all 13 ISL clubs here on Thursday. The decision is to ensure the season starts and players and staff are paid by their respective ISL clubs. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey (left) addresses the media on Thursday. (AIFF) The dates of Super Cup are under consideration but it will be held after India's campaign in the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan from August 29. India's last group match in CAFA Nations Cup is on September 4 while the final is scheduled on September 8. 'Super Cup should be held in the second or third week of September. Some of the teams need six to eight weeks to complete their pre-season. So, in our next meeting we will be in a position to announce the date of kick-off of Super Cup,' said Chaubey. With negotiations on the master rights agreement on hold following a Supreme Court observation – and AIFF's commercial partners not keen on ISL till a new deal is signed – there is no clarity on ISL. But Chaubey assured that the ongoing tumultuous season will have AIFF's cup competition and ISL. 'ISL is the top league of the country and it will happen. Last year, it started on September 14 and the year before, on September 21. This year, it may be delayed by 6-8 weeks but I don't see a possibility of it not taking place,' Chaubey told HT. Besides dates, the number of matches in the ISL season remain 'a matter of discussion with the clubs.' AIFF and the clubs will reconvene in 7-10 days. In that time, the clubs will consider filing an intervention appeal with the Supreme Court. AIFF is okay with clubs doing that because it could end the uncertainty around ISL this term, said a federation official. This was the first time since 2019 that the AIFF, its commercial partners and ISL clubs were in the same room. Barring Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and East Bengal —who attended the meeting virtually — the representatives from all ISL clubs were present for an in-person meeting. However, only FC Goa and NorthEast United were part of the press conference that followed the meeting. Both CEOs refused to divulge much. 'I don't think we have had time to actually sit down and digest all the information. You will have to give us a little bit of time because you can't just press a button and then things fall into place. We are all here because we want the game to continue. Make of it what you want,' said FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur. The issue of some clubs holding back salaries of players and staff did not come up for discussion. 'It's a matter between the clubs and their players. But when players will get gametime and the tournaments will happen, obviously the clubs will pay,' said Chaubey.
News18
6 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Worries Galore For Indian National Football Team As Mohun Bagan's Apuia Nurses Injury: Report
Last Updated: Apuia Ralte's knee injury sidelines him for at least 10 days, impacting Mohun Bagan's Durand Cup fixtures and India's CAFA Nations Cup preparations. Mohun Bagan and the Indian national team have both been dealt a significant blow just weeks ahead of crucial fixtures, as star midfielder Apuia Ralte suffers a knee injury that could sideline him for an extended period. The injury occurred during a practice match, where Apuia collided with teammate Glan Martins. He limped off the pitch clutching his left knee, immediately sparking concern among the coaching staff. Initial assessments suggest Apuia will be unavailable for at least 10 days, ruling him out of Mohun Bagan's next few fixtures in the Durand Cup 2025. Despite the setback, Sportstar reports that Bagan's medical team has cleared Apuia for limited minutes in their final group stage game on August 9, pending a final evaluation a day prior, to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of more important matches later in the year. Mohun Bagan Cruise Without Apuia Even without their midfield anchor, Mohun Bagan Super Giant made a statement with a dominant 4-0 victory over BSF FT at the Kishore Bharati Stadium. The Mariners ran riot in the second half, scoring three goals in just eight minutes. Liston Colaco bagged a brace, while Sahal Abdul Samad and Manvir Singh also found the net. With the win, Bagan now sit on six points from two games, trailing Diamond Harbour FC in Group B only on goal difference. Their final group-stage clash on August 9 will likely determine who finishes top. They previously edged out Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 in their opening match. Apuia's injury comes at a delicate time. As one of Mohun Bagan's standout performers last season—earning the Player of the Year accolade—his availability for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two campaign later this year is paramount. With the Durand Cup seen as part of the club's preseason preparations, Bagan will be wary of rushing him back too soon. The timing of Apuia's injury is equally concerning for Team India, who are ramping up preparations under new head coach Khalid Jamil for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, which begins on August 29. With no ongoing Indian Super League action due to scheduling uncertainties, many players are struggling with match sharpness. Apuia was among the few consistently fit and in-form options for the Blue Tigers. His potential absence could impact not only India's chances in the CAFA Nations Cup but also in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore later this year—must-win matches that are critical to the team's continental ambitions. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
02-08-2025
- Sport
- News18
First Three Things Khalid Jamil Needs To Do As Indian Football Team Head Coach
Khalid Jamil's appointment as head coach of India's men's football team is historic. Known for his I-League and ISL success, he aims to boost goal-scoring and tactical clarity. Khalid Jamil's appointment as head coach of the Indian men's national football team on Friday marked a historic moment. Not only is he the first Indian to take the role since 2012, but he also steps in at a time when the Blue Tigers urgently need direction, belief, and revival. A highly respected figure in Indian football, Jamil has made his mark in both the I-League and the Indian Super League (ISL). He famously led Aizawl FC to a historic I-League title in 2017 and had impressive stints in the ISL, most notably taking NorthEast United FC to the playoffs in the 2020-21 season and, more recently, guiding Jamshedpur FC to the ISL semi-finals and Kalinga Super Cup final in the 2024-25 season. Jamil's track record in Indian football speaks for itself, and now, with the reins of the national team in his hands, he has an opportunity to shape a new narrative for the Blue Tigers. What Khalid Jamil Needs To Do As Indian Men's Football Team Head Coach? 1 – Get the team scoring goals India's biggest immediate challenge is improving their output in front of goal. The Blue Tigers have not found the net in their last three matches. They played out a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening game of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, followed by a narrow 1-0 loss to Hong Kong. They suffered a 2-0 friendly defeat to Thailand in between. Their last goal came in a 3-0 friendly win over the Maldives at home in March, which also remains their only win in the calendar year so far. Under Marquez, India scored five goals across eight matches, finding the net in just three of those games. With key fixtures coming up in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, India will need to rediscover their attacking rhythm. While the team has shown solidity at the back and moments of promise going forward, converting chances and maintaining composure in the final third will be an area Jamil will look to address. His teams in the ISL have often shown a knack for scoring in transition and being clinical with limited opportunities, traits that could serve India well in the months to come. 2 – Get India's AFC Asian Cup qualifiers campaign back on track The AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers are a major focus for the national team, and India have ground to make up. After two games in Group C, the Blue Tigers sit at the bottom of the standings with one point, having drawn against Bangladesh and lost to Hong Kong. The road ahead includes crucial fixtures against Singapore in October, a doubleheader that could prove pivotal to the campaign. Before that, Jamil's first assignment will be the CAFA Nations Cup, where India are set to face Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. These games will serve as valuable preparation not just to build chemistry within the squad, but also to fine-tune systems ahead of the qualifiers. India had previously qualified for back-to-back editions of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, the second one coming under Igor Stimac, and maintaining that momentum will be key. Jamil's task will be to steady the campaign and put India back in contention for a spot in the continental tournament. 3 – Bring structure and efficiency to India's play One of the biggest tasks for Jamil will be to instil a sense of tactical clarity in the Indian team. Under former head coach Igor Stimac, India attempted to transition towards a more possession-based style of play. While that approach had its moments, it didn't yield the best results. The team often struggled to control matches or convert possession into meaningful goal-scoring chances. A similar pattern was seen more recently under Marquez, who also encouraged more ball progression from the back. Jamil, however, is a different profile of coach. He has made a name for himself in Indian football as a pragmatic tactician, one who builds teams that are difficult to break down and highly efficient on the counter. His memorable run with NorthEast United FC in the 2020-21 season showed how organised and effective his teams can be, something he repeated by guiding Jamshedpur FC to the playoffs in 2024-25. India need a clear blueprint to fall back on, especially in crunch matches where margins are fine. If Jamil can build a team that knows what it's trying to do both with and without the ball, he'll have solved a major piece of the puzzle. view comments Location : Jamshedpur, India, India First Published: August 02, 2025, 15:25 IST News sports » football First Three Things Khalid Jamil Needs To Do As Indian Football Team Head Coach Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
