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NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC ISL 2024-25 Knockout 2 Highlights | Jamshedpur seals a breathtaking win in Shillong; books their place in the semis | FT NEUFC 0-2 JFC

Catch the highlights of the NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC Knockout 2 match in ISL 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.

Mar 30, 2025, 4:05 PMโ€ข2 min read

NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC ISL 2024-25 Knockout 2 LIVE Updates, News, Scores and Commentary-sportzpoint.com

Hello and welcome to another live coverage of Indian football as we continue bringing you all the live updates of Indian Super League following the conclusion of the March international window.

The ISL 2024-25 Playoffs have marked its beginning on March 29, with an emphatic 5-0 victory by Bengaluru FC over Mumbai City FC in the first knockout match.

Read Also | ISL 2024-25 Playoffs Fixtures and Format: Everything you need to know

Tonight, we will bring you all the live updates, news, and live scores of the highly intense Knockout 2 encounter between NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

NorthEast and Jamshedpur both finished the league stage with 38 points from 24 games. The Highlanders' position was bettered by a higher goal difference (17) than Jamshedpur (-6), leading them to a fourth-place finish. The Red Miners finished in fifth position.

As the pathway to the semi-finals lures both teams, offering a potential roller-coaster ride for us, sit back and enjoy the match as Sportz Point provides you with all the real-time updates, team news, live scores, and match commentary tonight.

This is Soumit Bhattacharya, who will bring you all the updates of the match from the web desk.

Moreover, you can follow us on Twitter for all the updates. Join our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to get all the news and scores.

LIVE Updates

Mar 30, 2025, 4:50 PM

Thank you and stay tuned!

ISL 2024-25 Knockout round comes to an end! 

Hope you enjoyed our LIVE coverage. We will be back with more LIVE coverages of the Indian Super League 2024-25 semi-finals!

Thank you and stay tuned with us! 

Mar 30, 2025, 4:04 PM

Jamshedpur march on to the semi-finals!

What a breathtaking win for Jamshedpur in Shillong!

The Red Miners will face league-shield winners Mohun Bagan SG in the two-legged semi-finals.

Semi-final 2, Leg 1: Jamshedpur FC vs Mohun Bagan SG - 3 April 2025

Semi-final 2, Leg 2: Mohun Bagan SG vs Jamshedpur FC - 7 April 2025

Mar 30, 2025, 4:01 PM

90'+12' | HERE GOES THE FULL-TIME WHISTLE! | FT NEUFC 0-2 JFC

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Mar 30, 2025, 4:00 PM

90'+9' | JAMSHEDPUR SEALS IT WITH JAVI'S GOAL!!!! | NEUFC 0-2 JFC

ABSOLUTE MADNESS IN SHILLONG!

Ritwik Das dribbled and dodged past the Northeast defenders before passing to Javi inside the six-yard box. The Red Miners' captain literally toyed with Gurmeet before slotting it home with a swift strike!

Jamshedpur has sealed their place in the semi-finals!

The NorthEast players are down on the ground with their hearts broken in the most hurtful way possible!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:56 PM

90'+6' | Ajaraie hits the woodwork!

Unbelievable!

Alaaeddine Ajaraie's pinpoint header from the edge of the six-yard box somehow hit the woodwork! Ajaraie failed to keep the rebound on target as well!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:54 PM

90'+5' | Gogoi goes over the bar!

Parthib Gogoi's strike from the just the edge of the penalty area went over the crossbar!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:52 PM

90'+3' | Another chance goes begging

Another cross is delivered into the box, and this time Eze headed it away!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:50 PM

90'+1' | How can Guillermo miss this!

Alaaeddine flicked the ball behind into the box as Guillermo had an open goal in front of him, but a slight touch from Barla kept the ball off the target.

This was the easiest chance the hosts had after a long time!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:49 PM

90' | 8 minutes of stoppage time added on!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:48 PM

90' | Subsitution for NorthEast United

In: Parthib Gogoi

Out: Jithin MS

Mar 30, 2025, 3:48 PM

88' | Straight red for Mobashir!

Mobashir Rahman is shown a straight red card for deliberately kicking Macarton in a tussle!

Jamshedpur are down to ten men!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:47 PM

87' | What a madness!

There were back-to-back chances for NorthEast, but no, the Jamshedpur defence seems to have a no-entry board hanging in front of them.

Compact and robust defending from the Red Miners' defence!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:44 PM

85' | Yellow for Albino

Albino Gomes is shown a yellow for wasting time.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:44 PM

84' | Off target for Thoi

Thoi Singh half-volleyed a strike from close to the left but skied his strike over the bar.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:42 PM

83' | Chance for Jamshedpur

Siverio had an attempt on target following the cross from Murray, but he failed to find the precision from inside the box!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:41 PM

82' | Substitution for NorthEast United

In: Thoi Singh

Out: Redeem Tlang

Mar 30, 2025, 3:41 PM

82' | Substitution for Jamshedpur FC

In: Ritwik Das

Out: Mohammed Sanan

Mar 30, 2025, 3:39 PM

81' | Substitution for Jamshedpur FC

In: Javier Siverio

Out: Rei Tachikawa

Mar 30, 2025, 3:39 PM

80' | It's heating up in Shillong!

The crowd is roaring as Tachikawa and Sanan are down!

Both of them are receiving medical attention as the NorthEast players are very animated!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:37 PM

78' | Effort from Javi

Javi Hernandez lodged an ambitious long-ranger strike from the middle of the park, but the ball soared wide off the second post.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:36 PM

76' | Final quarter to play

We are back after the second drinks break of the game. The final fifteen minutes are left to play.

Can NorthEast pull off a miracle? Or is Jamshedpur going to stamp a well-dominant win?

Mar 30, 2025, 3:34 PM

74' | Pronay is too good

Pronay Halder executed two consecutive clearances to deny the NorthEast attackers. 

Absolutely top-notch performance from him so far tonight!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:32 PM

71' | Substitution for NorthEast United

In: Guillermo Hierro

Out: Nestor Albiach

Mar 30, 2025, 3:29 PM

70' | Another off target strike from Ajaraie

Alaaeddine Ajaraie sprinted into the middle, in front of the box, but failed to keep his powerful strike on target.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:28 PM

68' | Block from Eze

Nestor won the battle against Sanan and flashed a strike from a very tight angle on the right, as Eze stayed alert in making a perfect block.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:23 PM

63' | Appeal from NorthEast

The Highlanders appealed for the handball against Ashutosh Mehta, but the referee did not give any attention.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:19 PM

60' | Chance for NorthEast

Tlang perfectly soared his free-kick past the one-man wall Sanan, but Macarton's header drifted way over the target.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:16 PM

57' | Off target for Ajaraie

Alaaeddine Ajaraie dribbled past a defender before slicing a strike that again sailed over the crossbar.

Not a familiar sight from the Moroccan magician, who has suffered a frustrating night so far.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:13 PM

54' | Mind-blowing defensive work from Jamshedpur

NorthEast keeps unleashing chances after chances, but they are lacking in the final third. Jamshedpur's defence has been very resolute so far.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:12 PM

53' | So close for Jithin!

Macarton brilliantly trapped the ball inside the box and passed it to Jithin, whose first-time strike went just a bit over the crossbar!

Mar 30, 2025, 3:10 PM

52' | Yellow for Macarton

Macarton Nickson receives a yellow for a foul.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:10 PM

50' | Good tackle from Zabaco

Tachikawa anticipated the long ball on the right as he kept a grounded minus into the box, but Zabaco denied Javi from having a strike.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:08 PM

49' | What an effort from Samte!

Samte intended to produce a cross from down the left flank, but the ball travelled to the right top bin. However, Albino Gomes kept the ball off target with a brilliant save.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:07 PM

47' | Chances for NorthEast

Two clumsy clearances came off the Jamshedpur defence, but Macarton and Albiach both failed to capitalize on the chances.

Mar 30, 2025, 3:04 PM

46' | The second half action begins

Mar 30, 2025, 2:49 PM

45'+4' | Here goes the half-time whistle. | HT NEUFC 0-1 JFC

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Mar 30, 2025, 2:49 PM

45'+4' | Easy collection for Albino

Albiach kept the header on target that was easily collected by Albino Gomes.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:47 PM

45'+2' | Gurmeet collects

Mohammad Uvais kept a grounder on target from the left, but that was enough to beat Gurmeet.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:46 PM

45' | 3 minutes of additional minutes announced

Mar 30, 2025, 2:45 PM

44' | Battle in the middle

The tempo has slowed down a bit, but we are not short of action as the game is mostly being played in the middle of the park. The half-time break is also knocking on the doors.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:38 PM

37' | Effort from Sanan

Sanan attempted a volleyed strike from almost 35 yards into the middle, but skied it to the stands.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:37 PM

36' | Brilliant tackle from Redeem

Mohammed Sanan brezzed past Redeem Tlang on the left flank, attempting to produce a cross, but Redeem executed a clean diving tackle.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:31 PM

29' | GOALLLLL! Eze strikes it home! | NEUFC 0-1 JFC

Stephen Eze has drawn the first blood for Jamshedpur!

Nestor Albiach made a wrongful touch following the Jamshedpur corner, which bounced off his feet and ended up in Eze at a very tough angle on the right to the six-yard box. The Jamshedpur defender absolutely fired it home with a right-footed strike, leaving no room for Gurmeet!

The visitors have broken the deadlock!

Mar 30, 2025, 2:28 PM

26' | Gurmeet stayed alert

It was an almost suicidal backpass from Asheer, which was close to being intercepted by a running Jordan Murray, but Gurmeet showed his awareness and cleared the danger away. Murray and Gurmeet clashed, but the game resumed after a minute.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:25 PM

24' | Jithin is closed down

Jithin MS and Mohammad Uvais battling on the right flank of NorthEast has been a treat to the eyes so far. Uvais has the upper hand so far, but Jithin will definitely not fall short.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:19 PM

18' | Tachikawa gets blocked

Rei Tachikawa sprinted toward the box from the left and cut in before taking a strike, but that was well-blocked by Bemammer.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:14 PM

13' | Eze gets booked

Stephen Eze is shown a yellow for a nasty foul on Albiach from behind.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:12 PM

11' | Ajaraie skies it over

Alaaeddine Ajaraie flashed a powerful right-footer from almost 30 yards out of the box, but the ball sailed way over the crossbar!

Mar 30, 2025, 2:11 PM

10' | Javi fails to connect

Javi Hernandez again found another open scoring opportunity following a cheeky flick from Murray, but the Jamshedpur skipper failed to connect his strike.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:09 PM

7' | WHAT WAS THAT?

What an absolute brilliant free-flowing football from NorthEast!

Redeem delivered a vicious cross from the right, which was met by Macarton at the edge of the goalpost. The ball went in, but Albino somehow revived it off the goal-line.

The goal was not given, and the replay showed that the ball touched Macarton's hand after bouncing off the pitch.

Fiery start! 

Mar 30, 2025, 2:06 PM

6' | Attempt from Macarton

Macarton followed up a second ball from Akhtar and unleashed a strike from a distance, though it went wide off the far post.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:05 PM

4' | Sanan takes an effort

Mohammad Sanan took a strike from a distance, but Gurmeet swiftly claimed it.

Mar 30, 2025, 2:04 PM

3' | Chance for Jamshedpur

Brilliant ball delivered by Nikhil Barla from the right flank, but Javi Hernandez failed to anticipate the ball inside the box.

What a start to this game!

Mar 30, 2025, 2:03 PM

2' | Chance for NorthEast

Alaaeddine Ajaraie chipped the ball just in front of Macarton inside the box, but the NorthEast midfielder failed to convert it!

Mar 30, 2025, 2:00 PM

1' | Kick Off!

NorthEast United gets things underway in Shillong!

Mar 30, 2025, 2:00 PM

Here they are!

Mar 30, 2025, 1:16 PM

Line-up | Jamshedpur FC

Starting XI: Albino Gomes (GK); Ashutosh Mehta, Stephen Eze, Nikhil Barla, Mohammad Uvais; Pronay Halder, Rei Tachikawa, Mobashir Rahman, Javi Hernandez (C); Mohammad Sanan, Jordan Murray 

Subs: Amrit, Kartik, Muirang, Chawngthu, Ritwik, Imran, Sreekuttan, Aniket, Siverio 

Head Coach: Khalid Jamil 

Mar 30, 2025, 1:08 PM

Line-ups | NorthEast United

Starting XI: Gurmeet Singh (GK); Redeem Tlang, Asheer Akhtar, Micheal Zabaco (C), B. Samte; Mohammad Ali Bemammer, Mayakkannan; Jithin MS, Macarton Nickson, Nestor Albiach; Alaaeddine Ajaraie 

Subs: Mirshad, Dinesh, Tondonba, Robin, Bekey, Thoi, Parthib, Phalguni, Guillermo 

Head Coach: Juan Pedro Benali 

Mar 30, 2025, 12:58 PM

Visitors checking in!

Mar 30, 2025, 12:56 PM

The hosts are in the house!

Mar 30, 2025, 9:54 AM

Things will get heated!

Mar 30, 2025, 9:53 AM

Head-to-Head Stats in ISL | NEUFC vs JFC

Total matches played: 17

NorthEast United FC wins: 4

Jamshedpur FC wins: 7

Draws: 6

Mar 30, 2025, 9:48 AM

The Masterminds | Khalid Jamil

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil expressed his pleasure at playing the ISL playoffs in Shillong.

โ€œWe are very happy to be in Shillong. There is a lot of love for football here. The stadium is looking fantastic, the crowd support is amazing, and we are looking forward to securing a positive result,โ€ he said.

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Mar 30, 2025, 9:48 AM

The Masterminds | Juan Pedro Benali

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali outlined his sideโ€™s objectives entering into the knockout.

โ€œWe need to be ready, not make any excuses, and score whenever chances come our way. We need to convert our opportunities and always be focused, and stop Jamshedpur FCโ€™s special style of play,โ€ he said.

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Mar 30, 2025, 9:44 AM

What's at stake?

The winner of this single-legged Knockout 2 match will take on the league-shield winners Mohun Bagan SG in the semi-finals.

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Mar 30, 2025, 9:42 AM

Earlier this season

NorthEast United 5-0 Jamshedpur FC, 26 October 2024 

NorthEast schooled Jamshedpur in a 5-0 triumph in the first league-stage fixture this season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Parthib Gogoi both racked up braces, whereas Macartn scored another for the Highlanders.

Jamshedpur FC 0-2 NorthEast United, 13 February 2025

In the reverse fixture, Jamshedpur failed to avenge their heavy defeat as they fell to a 0-2 defeat at home against NorthEast United. Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored a brace to earn all three points at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

Highlights: Jamshedpur FC vs NorthEast United FC Highlights ISL 2024-25 | Northeast frustrate Jamshedpur to stamp a convincing win | FT JFC 0-2 NEUFC

Mar 30, 2025, 9:32 AM

The venue | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong

Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati

Mar 30, 2025, 9:28 AM

How to watch the match?

The live telecast of the match will be available on the Star Sports 3 TV Channel. The live streaming will also be available on the JioHostar App and website.

Mar 30, 2025, 9:24 AM

Match Details

Match: NorthEast United FC vs Jamshedpur FC 

Tournament: ISL 2024-25 Play-Offs Knockout 2

Date: 30 March 2025

Time: 7:30 pm IST

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.

Next Article

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for Indiaโ€™s most promising football talent. Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.

Jun 28, 2025, 1:11 PMโ€ข3 min read

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for Indiaโ€™s most promising football talent. The ISL 2024-25 season was no different, with young stars lighting up the league and charting the future course of Indian football.

Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.

Also Read: Highest scoring footballers of the 21st century

Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

1. Dippendu Biswas | Mohun Bagan Super Giant

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

Dippendu Biswas, 21, made 14 appearances in a star-studded MBSG line-up and carved an impact with his defensive contributions, comprising 14 interceptions and victorious tackles each, 42 duels won and 39 recoveries.

He also occasionally delivered upfront; producing a goal and two assists and was named the ISL Emerging Player of the Month for February 2025.

2. Vinith Venkatesh | Bengaluru FC

Vinith Venkatesh

Bengaluru FC has a track record of producing young talent for the nation. With Gerard Zaragoza in the managerial position, one of the players who made his mark this season is Vinith Venkatesh.

The 19-year-old impressed many with his dribbling and passing ability. A passing accuracy of 80per cent alongside 191 successful passes and 9 successful dribbles in only 602 minutes makes him a great prospect for the Bluesโ€™ future. Vinith has not only got a solitary goal and two assists to his name this ISL season but has also scored twice against Mohammedan SC and once against Mohun Bagan in the Durand Cup.

3. Brison Fernandes | FC Goa

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goaโ€™s under 18 team to being an out right starter, it has been quite a rise for Brison.

Brison has managed to impress with his dribbling and shooting capability scoring seven goals and assisting twice. The 23-year-old created 27 chances for the Gaurs and provided 25 key passes into the final third. With his direct play, the left-winger emerged as one of the most exciting young Indian players to watch this season.

4. Tekcham Abhishek Singh | Punjab FC

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

In only his second ISL campaign, defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with returns that saw him become the player with the third-most interceptions (47).

The 20-year-old won seven aerial duels, 17 tackles, 23 clearances, in addition to making 70 recoveries, while forming an impeccable partnership with Nikhil Prabhu, who made the most interceptions in the league in the season gone by (56).

Also Read: Top scorers in ISL history

5. Macarton Louis Nickson | NorthEast United FC

Top 5 Indian Players to Watch in ISL 2025

NorthEast United made it to the play-offs after three years, while most of the credits go to its foreign players like Alaaeddine Ajaraie and Nestor Albiach, a player that went under the radar is young midfielder Macarton Nickson.

With 21 appearances and a passing accuracy of 73 per cent, he has really shone under Juan Pedro Benali this season. The 21-year-old has established himself as a box to box midfielder providing both in defence and attack. 

Defensively, Macarton has 97 recoveries and 13 interceptions. In attack as well, he has been able to support by providing 2two goals, one assists and 22 successful dribbles making him a beautiful player to watch.

Next Article

Indian football transfer News: India international Jithin MS to stay with NorthEast United FC till 2028

Jithin, 27, joined the Northeast United FC at the start of the 2022-23 season and turned out for the Highlanders 79 times across competitions with 14 goals and 15 assists so far.

Jun 27, 2025, 11:39 AMโ€ข3 min read

Indian football transfer News: India international Jithin MS to stay with NorthEast United FC till 2028 | sportzpoint.com
Image | NEUFC

NorthEast United FC on Friday announced that India international Jithin MS has signed a contract extension with the club, which will keep him with the club until the end of the 2028 season. 

Jithin, 27, joined the club at the start of the 2022-23 season and turned out for the Highlanders 79 times across competitions with 14 goals and 15 assists so far. Jithin, who won the Santosh Trophy with Kerala (2017-18) and multiple I-League titles with Gokulam Kerala (2020-21, 2021-22), has flourished at NorthEast United FC. 

Indian football transfer News: India international Jithin MS to stay with NorthEast United FC till 2028

Jithinโ€™s impact reached new heights during the 133rd Durand Cup, where he was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournamentโ€™s Most Valuable Player. He scored four goals and provided three assists during the campaign, helping NorthEast United FC lift their first-ever major trophy.

Read Also | Top scorers in ISL history

In the 2024โ€“25 ISL season, Jithin continued to impress with his electrifying pace and flair down the flanks. He was the only Indian player to feature in the leagueโ€™s top ten for assists, finishing with five. He is sixth on the list of players with the most chances created (41 chances) and is one of the three NorthEast United FC players on the top-10 list, alongside Alaaeddine Ajaraie (52) and Buanthanglun Samte (43).

Read Also | 7 big footballing nations which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026

โ€œMy teammates and the coaching staff have helped me improve a lot, and their support has been instrumental in winning the Golden Ball and earning a call-up to the national team. Iโ€™m proud to have achieved these milestones with NorthEast United FC. This club has become home over the past three years, and Iโ€™m delighted to continue for another three years,โ€ Jithin said.

โ€œJithin is an exceptional footballer, one of the best Indian players in his position, and what he has accomplished so far is truly commendable. His rise to becoming an India international is a testament to his relentless hard work, dedication, and hunger to grow every single day. Iโ€™m delighted that a player of Jithinโ€™s calibre will continue with us for the next three years,โ€ Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of NorthEast United FC, said.

โ€œJithinโ€™s journey has been inspiring. His India call-up highlights the dedication and professionalism he brings to the pitch, embodying everything we strive for at NorthEast United FC. He is a key part of our journey, and weโ€™re thrilled to have him with us for three more years,โ€ Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.

Next Article

DPDL Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Age Fraud in Youth Football

Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced a new regulatory framework, designed to curb age and identity fraud, which includes a two-season limit per age group and the introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card.

Jun 26, 2025, 8:22 AMโ€ข3 min read

DPDL Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Age Fraud in  Youth Football - sportzpoint.com
Image | DPDL

In a major step toward strengthening the integrity of grassroots and youth football in India, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) has announced the rollout of a comprehensive set of age verification reforms for the upcoming season.

DPDL Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Age Fraud in  Youth Football - sportzpoint.com
Image | DPDL

The new regulatory framework is designed to curb age and identity fraud โ€” a growing concern that has undermined the credibility of youth competitions nationwide.

Founded in 2019, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) is Indiaโ€™s largest AIFF-approved grassroots and youth football league. With operations in multiple cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi, and a partnership with European football development leader Double Pass, DPDL delivers structured, competitive, and long-term development environments for players aged 5 to 18.

The new measures, effective immediately across all DPDL cities, aim to ensure fair participation, safeguard honest academies, and promote age-appropriate player development.

The league, which has operated since 2019 in partnership with Belgium-based Double Pass and is recognised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), is among the most structured youth football ecosystems in the country.

Read Also | Exclusive Shreya Hooda: Best Goalkeeper in IWL & NFC, National team and the World Cup dream

Key regulatory updates

DPDL Launches Nationwide Campaign to Tackle Age Fraud in  Youth Football - sportzpoint.com
Image | DPDL
  • Introduction of the DPDL Digital ID Card
    Each player will now receive a unique DPDL ID card embedded with a photograph, date of birth, verified documents, and a QR code for on-ground verification. This will be scanned at match venues to prevent impersonation and misrepresentation.

  • Two-Season Limit Per Age Category
    In a move to ensure players compete at appropriate age levels, individuals will now be allowed to participate in a single age category for a maximum of two seasons. This rule will also take into account participation in past seasons dating back to 2019.

  • Independent Age Verification Committee
    An expert panel will be established to evaluate disputed or extreme cases of suspected age discrepancy. The committee will include senior DPDL officials, football association representatives, pediatric specialists, and documentation experts. Where necessary, advanced assessments such as TW3 bone age tests may be recommended.

  • Two-Year Ban for Proven Violations
    Teams found guilty of age or identity fraud will face suspension from all DPDL competitions for two consecutive seasons. The league has also stated that coaches or staff complicit in such cases may be subject to further disciplinary measures.

  • Standardised Physical Benchmarks for Younger Age Groups
    For the U7, U9, and U11 categories, DPDL will implement height and weight benchmarks defined by pediatric consultants. This step addresses concerns regarding physical dominance in early age groups that may not align with documented age.

โ€œYouth football must be built on the pillars of fairness and integrity,โ€ said Sarthak Dubey, Founder and CEO of DPDL. โ€œThese reforms are not just administrative updates โ€” they are essential safeguards to ensure that honest players and ethical academies are protected. We are committed to building a credible and transparent footballing pathway for India.โ€

Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"

The announcement builds on DPDLโ€™s ongoing efforts to strengthen its integrity framework, following isolated incidents in past seasons where discrepancies in player documentation and eligibility were identified.

In each confirmed case, the league took prompt and appropriate disciplinary action โ€” including point deductions, disqualification from knockout stages, and temporary suspensions of involved personnel โ€” reinforcing its commitment to fair play and accountability.

With the new framework in place, DPDL hopes to set a national benchmark for how youth football leagues across the country address age fraud.

Note: This article has been created from an official press release

Next Article

Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Jun 11, 2025, 10:46 AMโ€ข2 min read

Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach

National Football team coach Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Manolo Marquez, who could not even beat a weak team like Hong Kong, which is 26th behind the Indian team in the FIFA rankings, mailed his resignation to the federation the night after the match. The federation has decided to officially announce the resignation of the national coach around Wednesday afternoon.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Indiaโ€™s hopes of qualifying are now precarious

Indian menโ€™s football has endured a challenging 18 months, marked by a single victory in 16 matches since the start of 2024. A 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday exacerbated the situation, bringing the teamโ€™s struggles into sharp focus.

Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimacโ€™s successor, Manolo Marquez, have intensified after a string of demoralising losses, including three consecutive goalless games against Bangladesh, Thailand, and Hong Kong, leaving fans questioning the teamโ€™s ability. Indiaโ€™s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquezโ€™s future.

Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation

Rumours of Marquezโ€™s potential resignation had already started doing the rounds as sources suggest that the Spaniard, who replaced Stimac in July 2024, is contemplating stepping down within a year of his appointment.

However, an All India Football Federation (AIFF) source confirmed Marquez has not formally tendered his resignation. The federation awaits official communication from him regarding his intentions but that too many not be simple.

โ€œHe can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.

โ€œWe have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," the source added.

India must win their remaining four matches

India must win their remaining four matches to maintain any hope of qualification, currently languishing at the bottom of their group. While home and away fixtures against Singapore are scheduled for the October international break, Marquezโ€™s presence for those games remains uncertain.

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Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly. Get the full list and updates of this key preparatory match for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.

May 28, 2025, 8:47 AMโ€ข2 min read

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Indian football team travelling squad for Thailand friendly

Head coach Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Blue Tigers travelling squad for Thailand friendly on May 28, 2025. All the 28 players, who are currently a part of the ongoing camp in Kolkata, will travel to Thailand for the FIFA friendly for the June 4 fixture.

With a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on the horizon, the Indian Men's National Football Team is gearing up for a significant test. The squad will leave for Thailand on Wednesday evening for their friendly on June 4, at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani at 18:00 IST.

Subsequently, the team will depart for Hong Kong on the next day (June 5) for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round fixture.

Kolkata: The Blue Tigers' pre-Thailand training hub

Manolo Mรกrquez announces 28-member Blue Tigers travelling squad for Thailand friendly | sportzpoint.com
Sunil Chhetri along with the other squad members in Day 2 of training camp in Kolkata. Image | Facebook

The Blue Tigers' intensive training camp kicked off in Kolkata on May 19. The men in Blue underwent six full days of structured training and gym sessions. These were focused on refining patterns, defensive organisation, attacking transitions, and all other crucial elements for the gameplay.

A highlight of the camp was the inclusion of two practice matches:

  • On May 26, the Blue Tigers faced Santosh Trophy Champions Bengal, securing a 2-1 victory. (goal scorers: Brandon Fernandes and Ashique Kuruniyan)
  • On May 27, they faced North 24 Parganas, securing a 3-0 victory. (goal scorers: Sunil Chhetri, Chinglensana Singh Konsham and Udanta Singh Kumam)

Blue Tigersโ€™ 28-member squad for the FIFA Friendly against Thailand

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh.

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Anwar Ali, Boris Singh Thangjam, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh, Abhishek Singh Tekcham.

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu.

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Head Coach: Manolo Mรกrquez

Assistant Coach: Mahesh Gawali

Assistant Coach: Benito Montalvo

Goalkeeper Coach: Marc Gamon

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Josรฉ Carlos Barroso

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