AIFF lays down National Team calendar for rest of 2021
All India Football Federation (AIFF) has set out the Indian National Team’s football calendar for the remainder of 2021. Amidst the impact of the pandemic on sports globally, International football has seen a hold up forcing AIFF to revisit the calendar faced with uncertainties, postponements, and unfortunate call-offs.
AIFF has endeavored to make the most of the lost opportunities of the past 15 months arising due to the pandemic with an effort to work in sync with its international commitments and the importance of the domestic events.
The action begins with Bengaluru FC playing their (pending) AFC Cup qualifier against Club Eagles (Maldives) on August15. This will be followed by the league stage draw featuring ATK Mohun Bagan from 18-24 August. Fans could be in for a double treat if Sunil Chhetri led BFC manage to cross the first hurdle. These matches will be brought live from Maldives to Indian homes.
Concurrently, the Federation will convene a 15-day camp for its Senior Men’s team starting August 15 in preparation for the two International games India is likely to play during the FIFA window of Aug 30-September 7. Conversations are ongoing with a few federations and a final confirmation will be made in the coming days.
Plans are also afoot to ensure the smooth integration of the players from BFC and ATK MB players returning from the Maldives to the Indian camp in regard to covid protocols.
By the first week of September, the clubs are expected to commence their pre-season and will see all India International players available. A three-week window, till end of September will ensure club coaches roll out their pre-season training plans in full gear.
The start of October will see AIFF reconvening the National camp for India’s participation in the (twice postponed) biennial international men’s football event, the SAFF Championship 2021 featuring five member nations. The tournament will be played till October 15, with India playing 4 games in a round robin format and would hope for an appearance in the final.
Immediately after the SAFF championship, India will start its preparation camp for its Group E engagement in AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2022 Qualifiers. While the Indian international players will return to their respective clubs from the SAFF Championship, the U23 players who would be summoned will be joining the preparatory camp.
There is also an additional FIFA window from 24January to 1 February 2022. India will start the third Round of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in February 2022, and will play 6 qualifiers till September 2022.
Further in the event of ATK Mohun Bagan or Bengaluru FC progressing from AFC Cup group stage, they are likely to be in the action as early as September 2021 in the inter-zonal semifinal. The inter-zonal finals are scheduled in October 2021 with the AFC Cup Final scheduled in early November 2021.
AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das stated: “We have made our best efforts in laying out a robust engagement for our Senior National team despite the ongoing pandemic situation and the different quarantine rules in different countries. India will play six international matches in the second half of 2021, and a possible seventh if we progress to the SAFF championship final.”
National Coach Igor Stimac stated: “I am happy with the way the calendar looks for now. I see great efforts being made by the federation to weave in a suitable duration of the India camp, and allowing clubs to also have availability of their key players for pre-season. What’s more important for me is to know that we are stepping onto the ground in the next 10 days, i.e., August 15, 2021 with the India camp, and simultaneously two clubs getting engaged in AFC Cup fixtures. The concurrent pre-season of clubs will also ensure our players — be it seniors or the under 23 probables will be in top fitness and game ready.”
CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Amidst rumour of interest from Japan, Apuia signs for Mumbai City FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…