Indian Football Team: Charismatic striker Sunil Chhetri again indicated that he is close to retiring. He said that if FIFA imposes a ban on India after the removal of Praful Patel from the post of AIFF President by the Supreme Court, it will be harmful.
Because he is playing his last match. For some time now, speculation has been rife about 37-year-old Chhetri's retirement and he has said on several occasions that his illustrious career is going to end soon. Chhetri said before the final round of the Asian Cup qualifiers starting June 8 that whatever happens in this matter, I hope that it remains under control and the country is not banned.
Sunil Chhetri said on FIFA, 'Ban can be harmful and it will happen not only for the whole country but also for me as a Indian football fan too. Because I am 37 years old and playing my last match. Don't know when your last match will happen. He said that yes, I was scared when the news came, because it is affecting you. But then you get all the information, then you know that it is not even that worrying and things will be fine.
The Supreme Court on May 18 removed Patel from the post of All India Football Federation (AIFF) president after he extended his term. His third term at the AIFF was to end in December 2020, but he remained in the post awaiting orders on a Supreme Court case, which is pending since 2017.
After the Supreme Court order, there was talk in some quarters that it could lead to a FIFA ban on India and take away India's rights to host the Under-17 Women's World Cup in October. The joint team of FIFA and AFC will tour India to understand the current situation.
Whenever Chhetri comes on the field, speculations start about his retirement and the Indian captain smiled and replied that he does not know yet. He said that even before the last Asia Cup (2019), the same question was asked what next and I had said the same thing.
5 years have passed. It's still the same thing. I was 32 then and am 37-38 now. I don't know, maybe. Chhetri said that at this time I am enjoying the game. The day I don't do this, that day it (sannyasa) will happen. I can't tell you the number.