Substitute Omar Khribin's only strike made all the difference in the Syria vs India clash as India are knocked out of the competition without even scoring a goal.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:54 PM
The Blue Tigers finish their AFC Asian Cup campaign with three losses in as many defeats, and to add to their woes they finish without scoring a single goal across three matches. For Syria, this 1-0 win would give them hopes of progressing to the round of 16.
This was Abishek Goswami bringing you all the highlights of the Syria vs India AFC Asian Cup 2024 match. I hope you will enjoy the highlights from the LIVE Blog below. Until next time, thank you.
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Jan 23, 2024, 1:33 PM
The referee blows the full-time whistle and Syria emerges as the winner of this highly intense clash against India in the Al Bayt Stadium. Substitute Omar Khribin's only strike makes all the difference between the two sides. Syria are through, most likely with four points. Australia finishes with seven points at the top and Uzbekistan with five points at the second spot. India finish bottom of this group with zero points and zero goals.
ð°ï¸ ð ð®ð¥ð¥-ðð¢ð¦ð | ðð¡ð #ðð¥ð®ððð¢ð ðð«ð¬ ðð±ð¢ð ðð«ð¨ð¦ ðð¡ð #ðð ððð¬ð¢ðð§ðð®ð©ðððð ð°ð¢ðð¡ð¨ð®ð ð ð¬ð¢ð§ð ð¥ð ð ð¨ðð¥ ð¬ðð¨ð«ðð ðð² ðð¡ðð¦.
We will come back stronger ðª
.
.
.#IndianFootball #BlueTigers #SunilChhetri #SYRvIND⦠pic.twitter.com/AGbbipBYyh— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 1:30 PM
Akash leads India on a counter but Weiss recovers. Mishra then sends a ball back into the box but Madania grabs it and dives spectacularly.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:24 PM
Jan 23, 2024, 1:23 PM
Udanta gets fouled and India wins a free kick. Thapa sends a cross from the set-piece but Bheke heads it harmlessly wide.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:20 PM
India are pressing high, while Syria are defending, and protecting their lead.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:16 PM
India are unable to get a hold of the ball. They must show composure on the ball and try to create something in the next 10 minutes.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:09 PM
Mishra loses the ball in the other half. Syria moves it at pace to the left to Heras who cuts it back to Khribin's feet. Khribin fakes Bheke out and unleashes a superb shot that goes past Gurpreet. Simply a sensational finish from Syria's first Asian Player of the Year and the crowd goes crazy at the Al Bayt Stadium.
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Jan 23, 2024, 1:08 PM
Weiss gets past Mishra but once again Bose comes into the rescue.
Jan 23, 2024, 1:02 PM
Ramadan fires into space down the left and unleashes a close-range shot at the side netting. That's it for Ramadan, as he gets subbed off for Dali.
69' | More injury concern for India as Gurpreet is down holding his groin. He is receiving the medical attention now.
We're back for the 2ï¸â£nd half!
The final push for victory ðð¯
SYR ð¸ð¾ 0-0 ð®ð³ IND
ðº @Sports18 & @JioCinema
ð» https://t.co/wGw31LgysM#SYRvIND âï¸ #AsianCup2023 #BlueTigers ð #IndianFootball â½ pic.twitter.com/TgSGr3GWwH— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 1:01 PM
Chhetri wins the possession back at the edge of the box and sets it up for Sahal but his shot gets blocked by Elias.
67' | Sahal's first shot is blocked
SYR 0-0 IND
Live | https://t.co/NuyLx9Ws23#AFCAsianCup2023 #IndianFootball #SYRvIND— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 12:59 PM
Sahal Abdul Samad replaces Manvir while Suresh comes in for Tangri. The crowd welcomes Sahal and Suresh with a huge round of applause and cheering.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:55 PM
Akash Mishra goes on a dribble and Hesar takes the ball off him before sending it into the far post towards Omar Khribin who smashes a header onto the roof of the net.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:49 PM
Manvir wins a foul in the Syrian half and the referee blows the whistle for an Indian free kick. Manvir wins the first header from the set-piece, but the ref once again blows the whistle but this time against Manvir as he commits a foul in the process of winning the header.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:48 PM
Ahmad Madania, the Syrian keeper almost gifts a goal to India. The keeper comes out for a cross and drops it at the feet of Chhangte. But the defenders force him wide and ultimately India wins a corner.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:42 PM
Omar Khribin moves into a dangerous area. Hesar heads the ball towards Khirbin who turns brilliantly to shoot at goal, but Bose pulls off another huge block.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:36 PM
The second half begins awfully as Jhingan is injured again and has to leave the field immediately. Nikhil Poojary will replace him.
One change for both sides in the second half before Jhingan made it two. Udanta on for Mahesh for India.
47' | Sandesh Jhingan leaves the field after sustaining a knee injury.
LIVE | https://t.co/NuyLx9Ws23#AFCAsianCup2023 #SYRvIND #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/JDe80SofWI— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 12:22 PM
Manvir wins a header and Chhetri takes a touch before unleashing a shot but it goes off-target. And that's it for the first half action. The referee blows the half-time whistle and it ends all square in the Al Bayt Stadium.
We remain goalless at the break at the Al Bayt Stadium ð¤ð¤
ðº @Sports18 & @JioCinema
ð» https://t.co/wGw31Lh6ik#SYRvIND âï¸ #AsianCup2023 #BlueTigers ð¯ #IndianFootball â½ pic.twitter.com/MzWSdtbAZ6— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 12:20 PM
Jhingan is back on the pitch after receiving some treatment and he is right into action with a good clearance.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:18 PM
Sabbag and Jhingan go toe-to-toe as Sabbag chases a good ball into the box. Jhingan denies the Syrian striker but twists his knee in the process. He is receiving medical attention at the moment.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:13 PM
Bose brings down Alaswad with a nasty tackle and it's a free kick for Syria.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:09 PM
Ramadan cuts back and smashes a lovely curler at goal but Gurpreet punches it clear the rebound goes back to Syria and Gurpreet has to punch it clear once again. Syria are looking threatening but India holds onto it.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:08 PM
Chhangte tracks back brilliantly to stop Ramadan's run into the box. Syria are keeping the ball at the moment.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:03 PM
India races forward on another counter and Apuia takes a shot which gets blocked by Ham. India recycles the ball and ultimately reaches to Chhangte who shows some brilliant skills on the right falk to win India a corner.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:02 PM
Ramadan goes for a shot and Deepak Tangri puts his foot in and Ramadan kicks Tangri's foot. VAR checks, and agrees with the ref's decision. It's just a corner for Syria.
Jan 23, 2024, 12:00 PM
Weiss gets pulled back by Mahesh and he reacts menacingly by going physical with Mahesh. The referee shows yellow to both the players.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:55 AM
Manvir races upfield and passes it to Mahesh who whips it in, but the ball deflects off Elias' back and Chhetri misses by an inch to get a touch upon it.
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Jan 23, 2024, 11:52 AM
Ham catches Apuia off guard and takes a shot from the edge of the box but Gurpreet saves it comfortably. Sabbag runs to receive the rebound and he smashes it towards the goal but Bose comes with a block to deny him.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:48 AM
Ham tries to send a superb ball to Pablo Sabbag into the box but Gurpreet reads it perfectly, comes out, and collects the ball. He needs medical attention as he was collided with Sabbag on the process of collecting the ball.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:46 AM
Ezequiel Ham unleashes a powerful shot but it goes off the target.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:44 AM
Alaswad looks to send the ball towards the Syrian winger but Apuia reads the play superbly and shields the ball out of play harmlessly.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:39 AM
A superb corner and Sabbag heads it at goal but Gurpreet stops it from going in. What a start to the match!
Jan 23, 2024, 11:36 AM
Mahesh intercepts the ball and starts a counterattack by moving the ball to Manvir who has Chhetri alongside him. Manvir comes 2-on-1 against the Syrian defence but delays his pass and Ousou smartly cuts it out. A huge chance wasted.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:35 AM
Naorem Mahesh is through on goal and the Syria goalkeeper pulls off a brilliant save to deny him and it's a corner for India.
Nothing comes out from the corner
Jan 23, 2024, 11:33 AM
Yellow for Bheke for a foul on Ramadan.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:30 AM
The first half begins at the Al Bayt Stadium.
Jan 23, 2024, 11:27 AM
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Jan 23, 2024, 11:00 AM
Not long to go now ð#SYRvIND âï¸ #AsianCup2023 #BlueTigers ð¯ #IndianFootball â½ pic.twitter.com/i7ktxMZjSp
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 10:43 AM
Madania (GK); Weiss, Ousou, Krouma, Ajan; Al-Aswad, Elias, Ham, Ramadan; Sabbag, Hesar
ð LINE UPS | ð¸ð¾ SYRIA ð INDIA ð®ð³
A victory against the Blue Tigers will propel the Qasioun Eagles closer to the knockout stage than ever before.
Who will seize the must-win moment? ð
Watch Live ðº https://t.co/nJZ0pcVqz1#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia | #SYRvIND pic.twitter.com/NwnyXyQ7KX— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2024
Gurpreet (GK); Mishra, Bheke, Jhingan, Bose; Tangri, Apuia; Manvir, Mahesh, Chhangte; Chhetri
Jan 23, 2024, 8:04 AM
"There is an idea that the manager changes players for the sake of rotation, but we need more harmony among the players. This is what we ask them to achieve. We lacked that in the first match. All 26 players should have one focus, one objective. Push and press and try to build up from the low block. We have talented players who will try and control the ball." "I believe the Indian team have the same motivation to win three points. So, we need to be more calm and focused on the match to get the three points and qualify for the first time in our history."
Jan 23, 2024, 8:04 AM
"All three teams are similar, very physical and playing in a similar way. We didn't have many reasons to change our approach. What's interesting about Syria is they use the same 11 players; they have a small bench with two or three changes. They're obviously limited on the bench. We'll try and see how fresh they're going to be tomorrow."
Jan 23, 2024, 8:04 AM
Sahal may not feature from the start, but Stimac can bring him later in the game.
India XI (4-5-1): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Nikhil Poojary, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke, Akash Mishra; Apuia, Deepak Tangri; Lallianzuala Chhangte, Brandon Fernandes, Naorem Mahesh Singh; Sunil Chhetri.
Hector Cuper is unlikely to make any changes to his side
Syria XI (4-2-3-1): Ahmad Madania (GK); Abdul Rahman Weiss, Aiham Ousou, Thaer Krouma, Mouyad Ajan; Mahmoud Al-Aswad, Jalil Elias, Ezequiel Ham, Ammar Ramadan; Pablo Sabbag, Ibrahim Hesar
Final touches before the big game ðªð®ð³
ðº @Sports18 & @JioCinema
ð» https://t.co/wGw31Lh6ik#SYRvIND âï¸ #AsianCup2023 #BlueTigers ð¯ #IndianFootball â½ pic.twitter.com/yZTOWHHxiH— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 8:04 AM
"One thing we knew for sure was we would have to deal with their physicality. It wasn't a surprise when we drew Australia, Uzbekistan and Syria. What has helped us is we've had two games against teams that were quite physical. What's more important is we rectify the small mistakes we made. We can't change things completely, but knowing how we fared physically, we need to rectify mistakes. Playing those two teams has given us the experience we need to play physical games."
Jan 23, 2024, 7:52 AM
Fixture: Syria vs India: AFC Asian Cup 2024
Date: January 23
Time: 5:00 PM (IST)
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
Live Telecast: Sports18 and Jio Cinema
The countdown begins â³
5ï¸â£ hours to go â°#SYRvIND âï¸ #AsianCup2023 ð #BlueTigers ð #IndianFootball â½ pic.twitter.com/ZCkM0kFZIb— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 7:52 AM
Syria and India meet to see if either side can secure the three points necessary to push into contention for a Round of 16 place. This will be an exciting and entertaining affair with both teams looking for a victory.
Syria have their point from a 0-0 draw with Uzbekistan while India have not yet managed to avoid defeat in their opening two Group B matches. As a result, Australia and Uzbekistan have already secured a place in the Round of 16.
With plenty of places still available in the third-place table, both these sides will consider themselves still in contention. Syria have an outside shot of finishing second if they beat India by a 4-goal margin and Uzbekistan finds themselves thrashed by Australia by a 3 or more goal margin.
Also Read: How can India still reach knockouts in AFC Asian Cup 2023?
The majestic Al Bayt Stadium in all it's glory ahead of the #SYRvIND showdown! ðï¸ð¤©#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/TKlSbUhZ41
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2024
Jan 23, 2024, 7:52 AM
Across six meetings, India have won three, lost two, and drew one.
Matches Played: 6
Syria won: 2
India won: 3
Draw: 1
No Result: 0
Renewing our Nehru Cup rivalry of the past decade, the #BlueTigers ð¯ are set for their 7ï¸â£th meeting with Syria, and the first time on foreign soil ð
ð¸ð¾ðð®ð³#SYRvIND âï¸ #AsianCup2023 #IndianFootball â½ pic.twitter.com/PLeIeMxT32— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 23, 2024
The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’s most promising football talent. Here are top 5 Indian players to watch in ISL 2025.
The Indian Super League (ISL) has consistently served as a launch pad for India’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
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.
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 Blues’ 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.
Another player that has been a break-out talent this year is Brison Fernandes. From Goa’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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Jithin’s impact reached new heights during the 133rd Durand Cup, where he was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball as the tournament’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 2024–25 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 league’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
“My 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. I’m proud to have achieved these milestones with NorthEast United FC. This club has become home over the past three years, and I’m delighted to continue for another three years,” Jithin said.
“Jithin 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. I’m delighted that a player of Jithin’s calibre will continue with us for the next three years,” Juan Pedro Benali, head coach of NorthEast United FC, said.
“Jithin’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 we’re thrilled to have him with us for three more years,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.
Discover the all-time top scorers in ISL history, featuring Sunil Chhetri's unmatched record and other legendary players in the run. Get the full stats here.
The Indian Super League has completed 11 seasons, which have given us sensational moments to cherish in Indian football. We have witnessed some thrilling matches, and in this highly competitive tournament, players around the globe joined hands to bring the best out of this sport.
Get ready to find out the top scorers in ISL history, with Sunil Chhetri single-handedly dominating the charts with 75 goals.
The undisputed king of ISL goal scoring, Sunil Chhetri, is the top scorer with 75 goals in the tournament's history. He is the only Indian footballer in the list who is not only in the top 5, but also holds the first place.
Chhetri has consistently been one of the best performers and a multiple-time ISL Golden Boot contender. He is also the oldest player to score an ISL hat-trick, at the age of 40 years and 126 days in 2024 for his current team, Bengaluru FC.
Read Also: Sunil Chhetri Special Moments in Indian Football
Bartholomew Ogbeche, known for his adaptability and lethal finishing, has scored 65 goals in the ISL. He found success across multiple clubs and has been a key part of Hyderabad FC's championship-winning side.
Ogbeche won the Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season and holds the record for most hat-tricks in ISL history, scoring 4 hat-tricks in his career.
Roy Krishna made his ISL debut in 2020 and climbed to the Top 3 in a very short period of time. His contributions with goals as well as assists become a vital part of every team he plays for, especially his current club, Odisha FC.
Krishna is a constant threat in the tournament, known for his ability to score from various positions. He holds the record for most goals scored by an individual against a single club in ISL (10 goals against Jamshedpur FC).
Read Also: Football teams with the most international trophies.
The fiery Spanish striker, Ferran Corominas, holds the fourth place, having scored 48 goals in only 57 appearances. He showcased his immediate impact by scoring hat-tricks in his third and fourth ISL matches for FC Goa.
Coro has won the most ISL Golden Boot awards (2 times), in consecutive years (2017-18 with 18 goals and 2018-19 with 16 goals). He is one of the incredible footballers in the tournament who set the standard for foreign strikers.
Diego Mauricio has been a powerful striker for Odisha FC since his debut season in 2020. He scored 47 goals in his ISL career so far and made his mark brilliantly.
He won the Golden Boot in the 2022-23 season with 12 goals, also helping them qualify for the playoffs for the first time. Diego was a key player in Odisha FC's Kalinga Super Cup triumph in 2023, which is their first-ever major title.
Read Also: Manolo Marquez likely to step down as Indian Football team coach
Lallianzuala Chhangte is the only Indian footballer, after Chhetri, to cross the 40-goal mark in ISL history. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, he scored 45 goals, spanning from 2017 to 2025.
Chhangte has consistently improved during his ISL career, playing for clubs like Mumbai City FC and achieving a swift pace in his goal-scoring technique.
The Brazilian forward, Cleiton Silva, is known as a reliable goal scorer and calm finisher. He has performed well for both Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC, often keeping the limelight.
He has scored 36 goals throughout his ISL career, which places him in the 7th position here.
Read Also: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history?
Marcelinho is one of the early stars of this tournament, who played his last ISL season for NorthEast United FC in 2021-22. He scored 34 goals in his tenure and also won the Golden Boot in 2016 with Delhi Dynamos FC, scoring 10 goals in that season.
He is known for his powerful shots and ability to create scoring chances.
Hugo Boumous stands out as the only midfielder in this list, having scored 34 goals in his ISL career. He has been a key player for multiple teams and is known for his creativity, scoring, and assisting.
Boumous is among the top players for all-time ISL goal contributions (goals + assists).
Read Also: ISL Winners List since 2014
Jorge Pereyra Diaz is a hard-working forward who debuted for Kerala Blasters FC in 2021. He mainly contributes with goals and link-up play. He scored 31 goals in his 72 ISL appearances.
Diaz was a key figure in Mumbai City FC's League Shield triumph in 2023 and ISL Cup win in 2023-24.
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.
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.
The new regulatory framework is designed to curb age and identity fraud — a growing concern that has undermined the credibility of youth competitions nationwide.
Founded in 2019, the Double Pass Development League (DPDL) is India’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
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.
“Youth football must be built on the pillars of fairness and integrity,” said Sarthak Dubey, Founder and CEO of DPDL. “These reforms are not just administrative updates — 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.”
Read Also | Exclusive: Here's how Football giving hope to "Mini-Brazil of India"
The announcement builds on DPDL’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 — including point deductions, disqualification from knockout stages, and temporary suspensions of involved personnel — 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
Manolo Marquez has decided to resign after team's poor performance against Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.
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
Indian men’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 team’s struggles into sharp focus.
Fan discontent with head coach Igor Stimac’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 team’s ability. India’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asia Cup are now precarious, and speculation surrounds Marquez’s future.
Rumours of Marquez’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.
“He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways," an AIFF source said.
“We 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 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, Marquez’s presence for those games remains uncertain.
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