New Delhi: The Indian Super League (ISL) on Monday (July 6) approved 3+1 foreign player regulation for matches of the franchise-based event, bringing it down from the existing five to boost “increased participation” of local players.
The regulation will become part of the competition guidelines from the eighth season in 2021-22. The decision was taken during a Football Sports Development Ltd. (FSDL) meeting attended by its chairperson Nita Ambani and is being communicated with the stakeholders including clubs and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
As per the new regulation, an ISL club could sign maximum of six foreigners in the squad including a compulsory Asian origin player, with four foreigners on the field. The 3+1 foreign player rules are governed by the Asian Football Confederation competition regulation.
The move is expected to boost increased participation of Indian players in the top-flight competition. Currently an ISL club is allowed to sign up to seven international players and play a maximum of five on the field.
“ISL has always exhibited a progressive and adaptive nature to their operations. Since 2014, ISL has improvised on many front with each year and today is yet another such example of ISL’s forward looking statement on Indian football,” said a football administrator.
“The four foreigners regulation will go a long way in redefining the Indian football in the years to come. It’s a positive and welcome step which will benefit our Indian players immensely. The change will certainly open up key position for Indian players in the line-up,” he said.
