India men's football team coach Igor Stimac appealed to ISL clubs via social media on Sunday as they are on the rise, extending any necessary assistance to help. they emerged.
The Croatian has urged clubs in the Indian Super League to agree to let players gather for extended periods of time in the country ahead of the AFC U-23 qualifiers in September, the World Cup qualifiers in November, and the AFC Asian Cup in January next year.
Discussions between AIFF and ISL clubs are ongoing over the controversial issue of player release.
Clubs want players to be released only within the specified days they will be released while AIFF and Stimac want them to be released early to properly prepare for major ticketing events.
The AIFF has called in a 28-member list of likely U-23 players for a camp starting in Bhubaneswar on 12 August. Clubs don't want to release them too soon, especially with the Durand Cup and ISL approaching.
Sensing their mood, Stimac issued an urgent note on Twitter saying that Indian football is at an important crossroads and that to move towards the ultimate goal, all parties involved must keep working. work together.
“I urge all clubs to continue to support our national teams, especially in the coming months with the major tournaments – AFC U23 Qualifiers, Asian Games, Rounds kind of World Cup and Asian Cup,” he wrote.
Stimac said it was imperative for India to show their best players in the best possible shape so as not to be looked down upon by their opponents.
As the duration of the camps is not covered by the FIFA international competition period, clubs are not obliged to release players before the specified date. AIFF hopes to find a solution. Stimac praised the clubs for nurturing players, reflecting the national team's recent performances.
Under Stimac, India has won the tournament treble since March, including the 2023 SAFF championship.
He promises the clubs that the players called up to the national camps will validate the support the clubs provide through their performances.
