The technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are set to recommend use of fewer number of foreign players in ISL and I-League. The meeting is scheduled for Friday.

Currently, the ISL and I-League clubs are not allowed to have more than five foreigners on the field.

“Some of the big names of world football played the in ISL. Agreed most of them were past their prime, but they were world-class players. But now we do not get to see players of that standard. Personally,

I am not in favour of more foreigners,” technical committee chairman Shyam Thapa said on Thursday.

Effects and after-effects of Covid-19 is also one of the reasons why the technical committee would be suggesting change in the rule.

“We do not know what economic implications the pandemic would have on the world. Obviously, everyone is suffering financially. I am sure the clubs also will be badly hit. Less foreigners will allow them to have some breathing space,” another committee member said.

“Plus, we need to promote Indian players. That’s the only way forward to improve the national team. The Indian team is doing well now, but to do better we need to have more Indian players in ISL and I-League. For example, less foreigners will give chance to the India Arrows players to play in ISL,” he added.

If it is not possible to implement the changes for the upcoming season, it can be put to practice from 2021-22.

The clubs, however, though do not think there would be a drastic reduction in the number of foreign players.

The meeting will also have discussion on the road ahead for the national team.

“We would like to know the views of the national coach (Igor Stimac) on the right time to have the national camp. Right now everything is under lockdown. But it will not be till eternity, so we have to plan for the future also,” the member said.