Sunil Chhetri answers India SOS, as coach questions Hong Kong passport rules
Manolo Marquez refuses to discuss his future as rumours swirl over head coach’s future ahead of Asian Cup qualifier
India head coach Manolo Marquez has questioned the rules allowing Hong Kong to select a host of naturalised players, a day before the two sides clash in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier.
Overseas Citizens of India cardholders have been banned from representing the country since 2008, while players with dual-nationality cannot be chosen.
Hong Kong’s squad for Tuesday’s game at Kai Tak Stadium includes eight players, including controversial striker Manuel Bleda, who qualified after completing seven years’ residency.
Spaniard Marquez, who is reportedly on the brink of quitting his post, evidently wanted to have his say on the subject, given the question about the large overseas-born contingent came from an All India Football Federation employee.
“If I was Hong Kong coach, maybe I would do similar,” Marquez said. “In my opinion, the rules should be the same for everyone. I accept dual nationality, if your father or mother are from the country.
“Other countries can select players if they played in their [domestic] competition. For me, this is not very fair.”
