The camp has been set for the Asian Under-23 Qualifiers, which will take place in Dalian, China, from September 6–12. In a letter to the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF), East Bengal and Mumbai City FC announced that they would not be releasing any players for the August 12-starting training camp in Bhubaneswar.
The camp has been set for the Asian Under-23 Qualifiers, which will take place in Dalian, China, from September 6–12. China, the Maldives, and Clifford Miranda’s India are placed in the same group. The qualifying rounds will also be included in the Olympic qualifying process for 2024.
Both clubs have informed AIFF that it wouldn’t be feasible to release individuals outside of the FIFA window (September 4–12) because they are both competing in the 132nd Durand Cup. While Mumbai City FC has attackers Vikram Pratap Singh, Gurkirat Singh, and Ayush Chhikara, as well as defenders Sanjeev Stalin and Halen Nongtdu, East Bengal only has goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill on the shortlist.
All five have been selected for Mumbai City’s 29-player Durand Cup roster. On Saturday, Mumbai City FC will kick off against Mohammedan Sporting. AIFF secretary-general Shaji Prabhakaran stated that the federation will speak with the clubs to ease the situation throughout the season when players are going to be called to India camps for various competitions.
“In this effort, the AIFF and the clubs are working together to develop Indian football. The clubs are aware that good results for the national teams will benefit all parties involved. Prabhakaran added, “The clubs have always been incredibly supportive, and I am hoping that issue will be resolved via communication. To make sure Gill is not unable to attend the first Kolkata derby of the season on August 12 in the Durand Cup, AIFF can delay the beginning of the camp. Igor Stimac, the head coach of India, is set to address the ISL’s head coaches on August 8.