The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has clarified that Indian Super League (ISL) clubs will not be required to sign Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) players under the league’s revised player regulations.

The clarification follows the AIFF’s recent decision to introduce OCI players as a separate registration category. While clubs can now include eligible OCI footballers in their squads, the federation stressed that doing so will remain entirely optional.

ISL Clubs free to decide their squad composition

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said the new regulation is meant to expand the pool of available players rather than force clubs into specific recruitment decisions. Each club will be free to assess its own requirements and choose whether or not to sign OCI players.

The federation also confirmed that there will be no mandatory requirement for ISL teams to sign or field an Indian striker. Satyanarayan said in the press conference said, “As of now, we are telling the clubs that we encourage you, if you want, please enlist OCI players to play in the league. Other than that, there is no change in the way they (the clubs) get their players.” He also added, “There are six foreigners, they can get some OCI players to play. And AIFF doesn’t interfere in telling the clubs what to do. That was the overall statement which they made.” If any club signs an OCI card holder, he would be considered as part of the foreign player quota.”

AIFF aimed at increasing flexibility

According to the AIFF, the revised player registration rules are designed to give clubs more options while maintaining their independence in squad planning. The inclusion of OCI players creates an additional talent pool without affecting existing recruitment policies.

The clarification comes amid a wider restructuring of Indian football. Earlier, the AIFF and ISL clubs announced a new agreement that will see clubs manage the league’s commercial operations, while the AIFF retains control over governance, regulations and sporting matters.

The new club-led commercial model is expected to remain in place for the next four years and is aimed at strengthening the long-term growth of Indian football.

With the latest clarification, ISL clubs can now make their recruitment decisions based solely on their footballing plans. Those interested in adding OCI players will be free to do so, while others can continue building their squads without any mandatory signing requirements.

The AIFF believes the revised framework offers greater flexibility to clubs while preserving competitive balance as preparations begin for the upcoming ISL season.