Following India’s embarrassing 0-1 defeat to 157th-ranked Hong Kong, a senior AIFF official revealed that the central government is finally “listening” to the federation’s long-standing appeal to allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to represent the national football team

“The president has been in active talks with government departments. There is definite movement on the matter,” the official told Sports Now in an exclusive chat. “It’s not in our hands, but we’re hopeful the government will eventually be convinced.

The AIFF has initiated talks with relevant ministries, especially concerning OCIs. “Definitely, it will give us a better pool to choose the team from. These players come having played in better leagues. That will certainly help,” the official said. “I’m not saying we’ll start winning all games immediately, but it will definitely make a change — and a change for the positive.

When asked if India’s poor result could push the government to fast-track the process, the official responded candidly: “No, I don’t think the government is going to take a decision because the Indian team is losing. This is a case we are building: that these players are Indian-origin and better, and we’d like to utilise them.

The AIFF also addressed criticism regarding the Rs 43 lakh bonus offered to players before the match. “It was a decision to motivate and reward them, as in India, players don’t receive payment for representing the country. They get paid by clubs. What’s wrong with doing something extra before such a crucial game?” he said.

In response to reports that head coach Manolo Marquez was quitting, the official pushed back strongly. “Till today, he hasn’t said he’s going to quit. If he tells us, we’ll deal with it. But I’ve not received anything officially.

For now, the AIFF waits for the government’s nod on OCI inclusion and for answers on where Indian football is headed next.