Tag: AIFF

Sports

Costa Rican Coach Amelia Valverde Appointed to Guide India Women’s Football Team at AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to finalise a short-term contract with Costa Rican coach Amelia Valverde to guide the Indian women’s football team at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Australia from March 1 to 21. The decision is expected within the next 48 hours.

Valverde, 39, is likely to work alongside current head coach Crispin Chhetri, who successfully led India to qualification for the continental tournament following a historic victory over FIFA Women’s World Cup regulars Thailand. The AIFF’s move aims to strengthen the team’s tactical preparation while maintaining continuity within the coaching setup.

India have been drawn into a challenging Group C that includes world No. 7 Japan. Despite the tough draw, a quarterfinal finish would keep India in contention for qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, making the Asian Cup a crucial campaign for the national side.

Amelia Valverde brings strong international credentials to the role. She previously coached the Costa Rica women’s national team and guided them to notable draws against Spain and South Korea at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. More recently, she enjoyed domestic success in Mexico, winning league titles with Monterrey Femenil, further enhancing her reputation as a tactically astute and experienced coach.

The AIFF views Valverde’s appointment as a strategic step to provide the Indian team with global exposure and advanced tactical insight ahead of the high-stakes tournament, while ensuring stability through the continued involvement of Crispin Chhetri. The upcoming Asian Cup is expected to play a defining role in shaping the future of Indian women’s football on the international stage.

Sports

Indian Super League to Resume on February 14 with All 14 Clubs, Announces Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

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Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that the Indian Super League (ISL) will resume on February 14, bringing relief to football fans across the country after a temporary pause in the competition.

The announcement came following a crucial meeting involving the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and key stakeholders of Indian football. The league had been halted earlier due to the absence of a confirmed commercial partner, raising concerns over the continuity of the season.

With the resumption confirmed, all 14 ISL clubs, including traditional powerhouses Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, will participate in the remainder of the league. The season will follow a home-and-away format, comprising a total of 91 matches, ensuring a full competitive calendar for teams and fans alike.

The decision is seen as a significant step towards stabilising Indian football’s premier league and restoring confidence among players, clubs, broadcasters, and supporters. Officials expressed optimism that the renewed momentum would strengthen the league’s commercial prospects and overall growth.

The ISL’s return is expected to reinvigorate the domestic football ecosystem and maintain India’s growing presence in the Asian football landscape.

Sports

Mandar Rao Dessai Calls on AIFF to Act: “India Needs Its Football Back”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Former India international and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai has urged football authorities to take immediate action to end the growing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, the Goan footballer described the situation as an “existential crisis” for Indian football and appealed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to act swiftly and bring clarity to the future of the league.

Mandar, who has represented India and played for clubs including FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, voiced his frustration over the ongoing delay in the start of the ISL season. His message resonated with players and fans alike, as he called for transparency and urgency from those responsible for managing the sport.

In his post, Mandar wrote that professional footballers across the ISL are united in their plea to resume competitive football in the country. “We want to play, and now,” he said, expressing the collective desperation of players who have been waiting for months to return to the field. He added that the lack of communication and direction from the authorities had left players, clubs, and supporters in the dark.

Mandar’s statement followed a turbulent period for Indian football, with the AIFF’s tender process for broadcast, sponsorship, and digital rights ending without success. The failed process, which was meant to ensure the league’s long-term stability, has instead intensified uncertainty and speculation about the ISL’s immediate future.

With no official start date or clarity from the federation, frustration continues to mount among players, clubs, and fans. Many believe that the ISL, once heralded as a new era for Indian football, now faces its toughest test yet.

Mandar’s words reflect a deep sense of passion and urgency, calling for the authorities to act in good faith and restore confidence in Indian football. As he put it, “We’ve been in a dark tunnel for too long — we could do with a little light.”

The call for action from senior players like Mandar Rao Dessai highlights a growing movement within the Indian football community — one that demands accountability, clarity, and the revival of the sport that millions across the country love.

Sports

Sesa Football Academy Concludes AIFF ‘D’ License Coaching Course, Empowering Grassroots Football Coaches

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Sesa Football Academy (SFA) has successfully concluded the AIFF ‘D’ License Course at its Sirsaim Campus, marking another important step in strengthening India’s grassroots football coaching network. The six-day intensive program was meticulously structured to provide aspiring coaches with the essential knowledge and hands-on experience required to identify, guide, and nurture young football talent.

The course saw active participation from 24 candidates, including five female coaches and three outstation participants, highlighting both inclusivity and the national appeal of the initiative. Over six days, participants engaged in a rigorous combination of classroom-based theoretical sessions and practical on-field training. This was followed by detailed evaluations — both theoretical and practical — ensuring a complete understanding of grassroots coaching standards.

The program was conducted under the expert mentorship of Mr. Gavin Araujo, Technical Director at Sesa Football Academy and a certified AFC Pro License Coach. The curriculum focused on age-appropriate training methodologies, technical and tactical fundamentals, and leadership skills essential for guiding young players. More than just coaching techniques, the course emphasized the importance of discipline, teamwork, and holistic player development.

Sharing his experience, participant Aditya Salgaonkar said, “The AIFF D-License course hosted by Sesa Football Academy was an enriching experience, balancing theoretical and practical learning. It has given me a deeper understanding of football from a coach’s perspective and made me more confident in guiding young players.”

Reflecting on the initiative’s success, Mr. Gavin Araujo remarked, “The AIFF ‘D’ License is a vital stepping stone in the journey of any coach. We are thankful to the Goa Football Association for the opportunity to host the course. It helps lay the foundation for structured football coaching and creates a strong base of trained professionals.”

This milestone follows closely after SFA hosted the AIFF ‘B’ License Course earlier this year, reaffirming its position as a key center for football education and excellence in India. By facilitating both entry-level and advanced coaching certifications, Sesa Football Academy continues to contribute significantly to the development of a robust, professional, and sustainable coaching ecosystem across the nation.

Through such initiatives, SFA not only nurtures future coaches but also reinforces its long-standing commitment to building India’s footballing future from the ground up.

Sports

Ryan Williams Becomes Indian Citizen: A New Chapter in Indian Football History

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By Allycaral Desk

In a landmark development for Indian football, former Australian winger Ryan Williams has officially received Indian citizenship — a move that signals the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) intent to include Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the country’s football ecosystem.

The special moment unfolded in Bengaluru, where Williams’ Bengaluru FC teammate and Indian football legend Sunil Chhetri handed him his newly issued Indian passport. The heartwarming handover, filled with smiles and camaraderie, was captured on camera and quickly went viral across social media.

Ryan Williams, who has previously played in the English Championship and the A-League, joined Bengaluru FC earlier this year. His decision to take up Indian citizenship has been widely lauded by fans and sports experts as a potential game-changer for Indian football, both in terms of global exposure and skill development.

Speaking about the milestone, Williams expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m proud to call India my home. This country has given me so much, and I’m excited to give back on the field wearing the Indian colours.”

With this step, the AIFF is moving closer to integrating talented players of Indian origin and OCI holders into the national setup — a long-discussed reform that could elevate India’s footballing standards on the global stage.

The handover by Sunil Chhetri, India’s most celebrated footballer, symbolized the passing of both pride and responsibility. As fans celebrated online, it became clear that this moment was not just about citizenship — but about belonging, unity, and a bold vision for India’s sporting future.

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