The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced an adjustment in player regulations for the upcoming Kalinga Super Cup, aligning them with the AFC 2023-24 season. The winner of the Super Cup will advance to the AFC Champions League (ACL) 2 Preliminary Stage, prompting the AIFF to permit participating clubs to field more foreign players during the tournament.
In a decision made on Thursday, the AIFF granted permission for clubs competing in the Kalinga Super Cup, scheduled in Odisha from January 9 to 28, 2024, to register up to six foreign players in their matchday squad. Additionally, teams can commence matches with a maximum of six foreign players on the field.
However, if more than five foreign players are selected in the Player Selection List, at least one of them must hold the nationality of an Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Member Association, as stated by the AIFF in an official statement.
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This alteration aims to harmonize the rules of the Kalinga Super Cup with those of the Continental event, adhering to AFC club competition regulations for the 2023-24 season. Each participating club is allowed a selection of up to six foreign players, with at least one being from an AFC Member Association.
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The Kalinga Super Cup, scheduled across two venues in Odisha, is set to kick off on January 9, 2024. While clubs from both the Indian Super League and I-League have received invitations, the former gains direct entry into the tournament.
On the other hand, I-League clubs will need to compete in qualifiers for entry into the Kalinga Super Cup group stage, featuring 16 teams divided into four groups of four each. Winners of each group will advance to the semifinals, leading to the final match slated for January 28, 2024.
The tournament draw is scheduled to take place on December 18 at the Football House in New Delhi.
