• Source:JND
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In what could mark a new beginning for Indian football, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has roped in former Australia international Ryan Williams for the national camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on November 18.

Williams has officially become an Indian citizen, making him an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) in the national football setup.

If cleared, he will join the squad in Dhaka for the November 18 qualifier in a development that could open the door for many more such aspirants and signal a new, inclusive phase for Indian football.

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Who Is Ryan Williams?

Williams' Indian connection runs deep, with his Anglo-Indian mother hailing from Mumbai. This heritage makes him eligible for the Indian national team.

Williams, a 31-year-old midfielder born in Perth, represented Australia at the U-20, U-23 levels and the senior team as a second-half substitute during a friendly against South Korea in 2019. He also represented English clubs Fulham and Portsmouth before joining former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC in 2023.

Earlier this year, he expressed his desire to give up his Australian passport and take up Indian citizenship and he recently got his Indian passport.

AIFF's Search For Foreign Talent

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said the AIFF now intends to widen its search for talent by identifying Indian passport holders playing professionally abroad.

“It's a collective effort for expediting Ryan Williams' passport process. Which usually takes a lot of time (involving clearances from several Ministries and agencies)," Chaubey told PTI.

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“We will try to reach out to other regions in the world, especially football-playing nations, where Indian passport holders are playing. Through media and other platforms, we would like to invite them to contact us, to make a stronger National Team," he added.

Having been out of the race of the AFC Asian Cup 2027, India would look to sign off on a high note as they would look to rebuild their side under Jameel.

(With PTI Inputs)

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