AIFF bans states from fielding outstation players in Santosh Trophy

Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has revised the eligibility criteria for players in the national football championship for the Santosh Trophy with states being allowed to field only those players who are born within its territory.According to a recent AIFF circular issued by deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan, “only players born within the territory of the respective member association shall be eligible to represent the MA in all national football championships, starting from the Santosh Trophy 2025-26.”The AIFF previously allowed states to field players born outside the state but with two years of permanent residency. Four players born outside the member association territory and not having permanent residence in the state were also allowed, if they were registered for any club within the state’s jurisdiction.

Several weaker states relied on imports to boost their chances in the national championships.Players employed with Services or Railways will be allowed to represent their respective teams.The decisions were taken by the AIFF competitions committee during its meeting on Nov 11. “Two key decisions were taken by the committee. The squad size has been reinstated to 22 players for each stage of the championship, and the eligibility criteria has been revised,” Satyanarayan said in his email to all member associations.

For several decades, state associations were allowed to field players who plied their trade for clubs within its jurisdiction. The rule was later tweaked to allow players to represent their home states, if needed, even if they played professional football elsewhere. States like Bengal, who could previously choose players who did duty for Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, were weakened, while the likes of Manipur, Mizoram, Punjab and Kerala were strengthened.Meanwhile, the AIFF has confirmed the nine groups based on geographical location for this edition of the Santosh Trophy. The group winners will qualify for the final stage of the competition, where they will be joined by the hosts, besides last year’s finalists, West Bengal and Kerala.Goa have been placed in group H alongside former champions Karnataka, Services, and Lakshadweep.RULE CHANGE