On August 14, 2023, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, established a Task Force to conduct a feasibility study on football players categorized as Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). The Task Force’s scope includes assessing higher-level players and youth players, with a report due by January 31, 2024.
Mr. Samir Thapar, President of the Punjab Football Association and an experienced sports administrator, will lead the Task Force. Other members will be selected by Mr. Chaubey in consultation with the chairman and the Executive Committee.
Mr. Chaubey emphasized that the Task Force’s main goal is to gather data on OCI and PIO footballers who have excelled in various countries. He acknowledged that while current regulations prevent OCIs and PIOs from representing India in international sports events unless they become Indian citizens, the AIFF wishes to explore avenues for these players to contribute to Indian football. This initiative is driven by the need for robust data to support potential arguments in favor of their participation.
The AIFF President highlighted the intention to build a comprehensive database of OCI and PIO footballers worldwide and subsequently determine how best to leverage their abilities for the advancement of Indian football.