By IANS
New Delhi : Lebanon has refused to accept India’s request for a change in dates of World Cup qualifiers, putting in jeopardy the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) plans to start the inaugural Professional League.
The AIFF was supposed to start the Professional League from Sep 30, but the early announcement of the dates of World Cup qualifiers for the Asian leg by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has left the federation in a soup.
According to the draw, India will face Lebanon in their away match Oct 8 and then would play their home match Oct 28.
The AIFF was opposed to this 20-day gap and had requested their Lebanese counterparts for a change in dates.
In the light of recent violence in Lebanon, Mahindra United has already approached the AFC to shift the venue of the quarterfinal of the AFC Cup football.
Mahindra will face Lebanon’s Al Nejmeh in the quarters of the tournament, to be played over two legs in September.