No PIO player in I-League, all-India tournaments: AIFF

The AIFF decided to scrap the idea of Persons of Indian Origin playing in the I-League, all-India tournaments and local leagues this season, allowing the clubs to register four foreigners, including one of Asian origin.

New Delhi: The AIFF on Tuesday decided to scrap the idea of Persons of Indian Origin playing in the I-League,

all-India tournaments and local leagues this season, allowing the clubs to register four foreigners, including one of Asian origin. "All clubs will be allowed to register four (3 foreigners + 1 Asian) for all tournaments including I-League (Division 1 and 2), Federation Cup, All-India tournaments and local leagues for this season only," a statement of the All India Football Federation said. "However, only three of the foreign players can be in the actual playing eleven," the statement added. Last season, the AIFF allowed five foreigners, including one PIO and one of Asian origin, to be registered by each club. Meanwhile, the national senior team now training in Portugal will take on Uniao Desportiva da Serra in a practice match tomorrow at Pope John Paul II stadium Fatima. The Bob Houghton-coached side will play against Clube Desportivo de Mafra on Thursday. The Indian team has played six practice matches so far in their two-month training stint in Portugal which began on July 1, winning four, drawing and losing one game each. PTI