ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (AIFF) has called up Ryan Williams and Abneet Bharti, two overseas-based players, for the national camp ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on 18 November.
The move marks a progressive shift in the federation’s approach, opening the door for Indian-origin and overseas-based players willing to surrender foreign citizenship to represent India. If cleared, the duo will travel to Dhaka for the qualifier, a development that could pave the way for many more such aspirants, signalling a new and inclusive chapter in Indian football.
Williams, 31, is a Perth-born midfielder who represented Australia at U-20 and U-23 levels, and made his senior debut in 2019 as a substitute in a friendly against South Korea. A former Fulham and Portsmouth player, Williams joined Bengaluru FC in 2023. His mother hails from an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai, and his twin brother Aryn Williams has previously played for NEROCA FC and other Indian clubs.
In a humorous Instagram clip, Williams appeared in a mock “citizenship interview” with Sunil Chhetri, who quizzed him with iconic Bollywood lines like “Haar ke jeetne wale ko kya kehte hain?” and “Rishtey mein hum tumhare…?” The video ends with Williams proudly holding his new Indian passport.
AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey revealed that the idea first surfaced during the national camp in Kolkata in May, when Chhetri mentioned Williams’ interest. “Sunil Chhetri gave the first information about Ryan Williams, who wants to play for India by giving up his Australian passport. From then on, the process started,” Chaubey told PTI.
Meanwhile, Bharti, 27, is an Indian defender based in Brazil, currently playing for Academia del Balompié Boliviano (ABB), a first-division club in Bolivia. Having begun his career at Shastri FC in New Delhi, Bharti moved to Geylang International’s youth setup in Singapore and later played across Poland, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, the Czech Republic, and India with Kerala Blasters during the 2019–20 ISL season.
