What’s the story?
India’s friendly encounter with Lebanon stands cancelled due to ongoing visa problems faced by the West Asian country. Lebanon decided to pull out of the game as they couldn’t procure visas for their players. This comes as a major blow for India’s preparations for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The friendly was scheduled to be played at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on 7th June, just six days prior to India’s qualifier against Kyrgyz Republic.
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The context
India were set to start a preparation camp at the same venue from 20were set to start a preparation camp at the same venue from 20th May. The Lebanese FA cited visa issues for pulling out of the fixture. Since most of their players ply their trade in foreign leagues, Lebanon wanted its travelling squad to be given visas on arrival as it would be difficult to apply for prior visas for all of them.
The heart of the matter
Indian Coach Stephen Constantine said: “The decision of the Lebanon FA, that too at the 11th hour comes as a jolt for our preparations for the crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against the Kyrgyz Republic. Even as we are trying to find a replacement team, I understand that’s it’s very difficult as all other Teams have already finalised their matches.”
In an official letter to Mr. Kushal Das, Mr. Jihad Al Chohof, General Secretary, Lebanese FA wrote: “We regret to inform you that we will no longer be able to play the friendly match in subject, due to the fact this it is not possible to apply for Entry visas for the majority of National Team visas at the Indian Embassy in Beirut, as they are playing abroad with their respective clubs and it is not possible for them to come to Lebanon to apply for their Entry visas.”
What’s next?
The Government of India were adamant that citizens of Lebanon cannot be awarded visa on arrival which prompted the Lebanese FA to pull out from the fixture. The Lebanese Football Association has expressed their regret at not being able to travel to India to play the International Friendly. The Friendly has been removed from FIFA’s website. The AIFF’s recent press release does not mention the friendly either.
Author’s take
Lebanon, currently ranked 137th in the world, would have been an ideal preparation for the Indian football team. The AIFF will be sweating hard to find a replacement now.
