I-League 2021-22 qualifiers to be held in Bengaluru

AIFF Media 

Mr. Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation, and Chairman, League Committee chaired the AIFF League Committee Meeting held via video conferencing today (June 26, 2021).

Besides, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das and League CEO Mr. Sunando Dhar, Mr. Souter Vaz, Mr. Lalnghinglova Hmar, Mr. Anil Kumar, Mr. Chirag Tanna and Mr. Rochak Langer attended the meeting, while leave of absence was granted to Mr. BK Roka.

The Committee agreed that keeping in view the circumstances and the logistical and financial feasibility, a maximum of 10 teams will be participating in the Hero I-League Qualifiers which are proposed to be held at a single venue. The Committee approved Bengaluru as the venue for the qualifiers to be held in September 2021.

State Associations are to nominate a maximum of two teams out of which one team will be selected by the League department based on sporting merit, and the club licensing criteria. The criteria for selection will be communicated.

States who have conducted a League, or have conducted a qualifying championship to nominate the teams for Qualifiers will be eligible to nominate teams for the Hero I-League Qualifiers.

“Under the current situation it is pertinent for all stakeholders including the players to stay fit not just physically, but also stay mentally fit. Last year we organised a number of events very successfully, and this year we would really like to organise more, the pandemic situation permitting,” Mr. Dutta said in his opening address.

Mr. Dhar apprised the Committee that the Hero I-League will be played among 13 teams this season. “The format of the League will be the same as the last edition with all teams playing each other once, and then divided into two groups. While the top half vying for the Championship will comprise 7 teams, the bottom half which will be battling it out for the relegation will have 6 teams,” Mr. Dhar informed. “The number of matches will also be more this edition – a rise from 80 to 114.”

“We are looking at a tentative date of mid-December onwards for kicking-off the Hero I-League. We are in talks with the Indian Football Association (Bengal), and also the Government of West Bengal to successfully organise the League in Kolkata and its suburbs like the last edition,” Mr. Dhar mentioned.

The Committee agreed that under the circumstances, and considering the possibility of a 3rd wave, this is the best option, and approved the venue and the format.

The Committee also deliberated at length and felt that the relegation rule will be applied to the Hero I-League 2021-22 irrespective of the current situation, and there won’t be any change in the regulation once the League kicks-off.

Furthermore, a decision on the 2020-21 edition of the Hero Indian Women’s League which had to be postponed owing to the second wave of the pandemic will be taken soon after detailed discussions with Odisha Sports, the hosts of the final round of the HIWL.

With an Indian club set to feature in the AFC Women's Club Championship 2021 -- a pilot tournament being implemented by the Asian Football Confederation -- the champions of the HIWL will be granted an entry to the Championship. However, in case the HIWL cannot be held owing to the pandemic situation, the champions of the previous edition will participate in the AFC Championship.

The Committee also discussed hosting the Futsal Club Championship in October 2021 in Shillong adhering to all health parameters.

“We are also making it mandatory for all players, officials, and all operational and administrative staff across all Leagues and championships to get themselves fully vaccinated prior to the kick-off. However, we do understand that there will be players less than 18 years of age who may be participating, along with players/officials who are recovering from Covid and may not have got a chance to vaccinate themselves. In that case, all of them would be subjected to more RTPCR tests than the others,” Mr. Dhar added.

The Committee was also taken through a detailed presentation on the Golden Baby Leagues and issues of safeguarding and child protection, and about incentives to be offered to increase the participation of girl players.

 

Sunil Chhetri signs on with BFC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Sunday, announced that club captain Sunil Chhetri had signed a new two-year deal to keep him at the club until at least 2023. Chhetri, who signed with the Blues in 2013, will see the new deal extend his stay with Bengaluru into a tenth season.

Chhetri, who joined Bengaluru in 2013, has made 203  appearances for the club since, scoring 101 goals in that time. The 36-year-old has led the club since its inception in 2013 and has topped the goal-scoring charts in each of his eight seasons with the Blues.

“I’m really happy to have signed on for two more years at Bengaluru FC. The city is home now, and the people at this club are like family to me. It feels like just yesterday that I signed for the first time here, and I have to say the journey has been nothing short of special. I love this club, the supporters and the city, all three of which I have a strong bond with, and I’m looking forward to being part of many more great moments with them,” said Chhetri, after completing formalities on his extension.

Chhetri, a six-time AIFF Player of the Year, led the Blues to their first League title in 2013, and has since won five more trophies with the club, including the Federation Cup (2015, 2017), Indian Super League (2018-19) and Super Cup (2018). In addition to several other individual awards, Chhetri was named the Asian Football Confederation’s Asian Iconin 2018 and the following year, he was conferred the Padma Shri title, India’s fourth highest civilian honour. 

“Sunil has been an integral part of this club since day one. We all know what he, as a player, brings to the team. But his presence as a leader has been equally crucial to us, and especially to the youngsters coming through the ranks. He is a role model, and his influence and application has been paramount to our success. Over the last eight years, he has made this city his home and we are really happy that he has committed his future to Bengaluru FC,” said club CEO, Mandar Tamhane.

Chhetri, who scored twice against Bangladesh in India’s FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup joint qualifier in Doha earlier this month, has amassed over 100 caps for the country and is India’s all-time leading scorer in international football, with 76 goals.

Bengaluru FC will face Eagles FC in a 2021 AFC Cup Playoff stage clash, in August.

Former state footballer Narasimhiah no more

Sri K Narasimhiah, 88, former State and Railways player passed away today morning at his residence in Srinagar, Bangalore. He also represented the then famous Blues Club  and later seen managing the Young Blues FC, which now plays in the BDFA C Division League.

Narasimhiah was a top player of the 60s. He represented BDFA XI. He was the main player for Railways and participated in various tournaments in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other parts of the country. In Railways, he played alongside another top player Pushparaj. Later he joined Blues and retired as a State Govt. Cooperative Society employee. 

Narasimhiah was passionate towards the game. Those days Blues Club representing the City area and Bangalore Muslims representing the Cantonment area were two teams that attracted large number of fans and played entertaining football.

Narasimhiah is survived by two sons and a daughter. His funeral will take place at Chamarajpet Burial ground today, 12 pm onwards.

Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson dedicates British Empire Medal award to Snow Leopards

AIFF Media  

Real Kashmir head coach David Robertson received a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on 12th June, 2021 for services to the local community of Jammu and Kashmir during his coaching tenure with Real Kashmir FC.

The award recognised the Scottish manager's outstanding contribution to the sport and the community as head coach of the Snow Leopards since January 2017.

From winning the Hero 2nd Division League in 2018 to becoming the first club from the Valley to compete in the Hero I-league, Robertson has been a key part of the incredible journey that had captured the imagination of Indian football fans since the very beginning, helping take the game forward together in the region and beyond.

“I would like to dedicate this award to so many people who have contributed in their own way. The Snow Leopard fans are certainly one of them— they are part of the family. Without their support no club can succeed. The support and warmth they have given not only to me but the whole club is incredible. They drive us all on, I hope very soon we can hear them roar at TRC.” Robertson told ileague.org after winning the Award.

The Snow Leopards recently added another golden chapter in history by winning the 123rd edition of the IFA Shield tournament in 2020.

"The sacrifices of my wife and family have allowed me to pursue my dream. My parents are also a huge part of my successful career. My mother passed away six months ago and my father passed away three weeks ago, just days after I was first notified of my Award. I’m sad that they were not here to celebrate with me," he added.

The 52-year-old played for clubs like Rangers and donned the Scotland colours during his illustrious career. He also coached clubs in Scotland and the USA and now he feels “attached” to the people of the Valley.

“I’m so proud to have been a part of an amazing story. When I arrived in Kashmir almost five years ago, I found it tough as it was a new experience but that soon changed as I was made to feel so welcome by everyone not only those involved at RKFC, but the general public when I walked down the streets. Now I feel so honoured and attached to the Kashmiri public, I feel so much appreciation for their continued support and feel I am working and wanting to do everything I can to give them a team to be proud of," he recalled.

Robertson lauded Mr. Sandeep Chattoo and his family for standing as the backbone of the club.

“I would like to thank Sandeep Chattoo and his family for all the support they have given me and their continued drive to keep the club moving forward. It's a total pleasure to be part of such a great club. No one could believe where we are today from where we started. So many people have contributed on and off the pitch to make the club a success and we aim to keep striving for even more success’’, he concluded.

Former state footballer Sigamani no more

Sigamani, 72, expired due to Covid-19 yesterday morning at a hospital near his house at OMBR Layout, Banaswadi, Bangalore. He was employed with Services and retired as a Subedar from MEG. 

Hailing from KGF, Sigamani represented Karnataka state in Santhosh Trophy at Calcutta in the year 1978 and the year after at Coimbatore, where Karnataka lost to Punjab in semis.  He was a regular left-out player for MEG, also, went on representing Indian Army against many international teams. 

Sigamani was coaching a team in Banaswadi that play in BDFA C division along with a school in Sishuvihar. He is survived by his wife, two sons, and a daughter. 

Sunil Chhetri brace hands India victory against Bangladesh

AIFF Media 

Bangladesh 0 Vs India 2 (Sunil Chhetri 79’, 90+2’)

India rode on a Sunil Chhetri brace to beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 preliminary joint round qualification round at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha.

Courtesy the result, India moved to six points from seven matches, while Bangladesh are at two points seven matches. India next play Afghanistan in their last group league match on June 15.

Sunil broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when he headed in Ashique Kuruniyan’s cross from the left. He then sealed the result by curling in a shot from long range in added time, to win the match 2-0 for the Blue Tigers.

Stimac made three changes from the side that took on Qatar in the last match. The Blue Tigers made a cautious start, playing it amongst themselves, searching for the gaps.

In the 2nd minute, Rakib Hossain was flashed the yellow for a tackle on Brandon Fernandes. Brandon tried to be in the thick of action in his effort to essay those passes, and find someone in the clear.

India earned their first corner in the 9th minute, but the first real chance came in the 15th minute when Brandon’s through ball played between the two central defenders found Manvir Singh in the clear inside the box.

With only the rival goalkeeper Anisur Rahaman to beat, Manvir was a bit shy to have a try, and delayed it that shade too long allowing the rival defence to regroup.

In the next minute, Suresh Singh got into the box but his centre was collected by a diving Anisur.

Bangladesh’s Rahmat Mia was shown the yellow card for his foul on Suresh in the 32nd minute.

Bangladesh had a close shave in the 35th minute when Chinglensana Singh’s header off a Brandon corner was cleared on the line by Riyadul Hasan.

Changing over, Mohammed Yasir came in for Udanta Singh, and Ashique Kuruniyan replaced Bipin in the 46th minute.

In the 56th minute, Sandesh did leap more than all to head Brandon’d corner but it didn’t pose any danger, and then two minutes later, Sunil received a pass form Brandon on the edge of the box and out Yasir to pull the trigger. Yasir delayed a bit, and the rival defence were able to thwart it off.

On the hour mark, India brought in their third substitute – Liston Colaco coming in for Manvir Singh.

Almost immediately, rival captain Jamal Bhuyan was flashed the yellow after Suresh had sped past him on the right flank. Off the resultant free-kick, Brandon did manage to find an unmarked Sunil Chhetri in the box but his header was off target.

Glan’s long-range effort won India a corner in the 73rd when it deflected off a rival defender over the goal-line. But India’s agony continued as Subhashish Bose, all unmarked, failed to guide his header into the goal – it sailed past the post.

A minute later Asahique was shown the yellow card for his foul on Riyadul.

India finally was able to break the deadlock, and it was none other than Sunil Chhetri, on the 79th minute, who connected with an Ashique cross from an acute angle to send the ball back across Bangladesh goalkeeper Anisur Rahman.

Bangladesh began to throw bodies forward in search of the equaliser, but were often thwarted by the Indian defence. Jamal Bhuyian went into the referee’s books a minute after Chhetri’s goal, for a foul on Brandon Fernandes.

Stimac made a couple of tactical changes in order to hold on to the lead in added time, as Pronay Halder and Adil Khan replaced Chinglensana Singh and Brandon Fernandes, respectively.

However, captain Sunil Chhetri sealed the three points for the Blue Tigers, as he collected a pass from the left by Suresh, outside the Bangladesh area, and curled it into the back of the net.

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu; Chingensana Singh (Pronay Halder -- 90+1'), Sandesh Jhingan, Subhashish Bose; Udanta Singh (Mohammed Yasir – 46th), Suresh Singh, Glan Martins, Brandon Fernandes (Adil Khan -- 90+1'), Bipin Singh (Ashique Kuruniyan – 46th), Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh (Liston Colaco – 60th). 

FCBU’s Primus and Carr named in Trinidad & Tobago national squad for World Cup qualifiers

FCBU Media

FC Bengaluru United's Robert Primus and Daniel Carr have been named in Trinidad & Tobago’s 28-man squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. This comes on the back of strong performances by the duo in the recently concluded BDFA Super Division League 2020-21 in March, in which FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) emerged champions.

Center-back Primus has been an integral part of the FCBU set up since the I-league qualifiers in October 2020. He played a key role in the club’s triumphant journey in the BDFA Super Division League 2020-21, scoring the winner in the 62nd minute in the final league game that crowned FCBU champions. Striker Carr too shone with goalscoring abilities.

Richard Hood, Head Coach, FCBU who has worked closely with Primus and Carr was delighted with their selection. “Robert was with us when his initial call up to the national team came in March towards the end of the local league. It is a tremendous story for us to be a part of where he has made a return to the Soca Warriors after about 7 years. All credit to him for taking advantage of what FC Bengaluru United offer in terms of the training program and lifestyle. We are sure his contribution to his team's bid to qualify for the World Cup will be crucial."

The plan with Carr, says Hood, “always was to condition him for the second division league. His work ethic and dedication to get into peak shape is the primary reason for his call-up to the national team. We look forward to him leading from the front and getting his name on the scorecard.”

“Their selection is a great moment of pride for all of us at FCBU, “said Gaurav Manchanda, Owner, FC Bengaluru United. “Not only is it a reflection of Primus and Carr’s ability, it is also a great testimony to the growing potential and stature of FCBU. We are a club on the ascendancy and being part of our club has a tremendous positive impact on a player’s growth trajectory.