India has found itself in an unexpected predicament after bringing Australian-born footballer Ryan Williams to Dhaka without securing the necessary FIFA clearance. The uncertainty arrived just a day before the high-stakes Asian Cup Qualifier between Bangladesh and India, scheduled for tomorrow at 8 PM Bangladesh time. Even within the final 24 hours, the Bangladesh camp remained unsure whether Williams would be eligible to play. Manager Amer Khan explained,

“The match commissioner has granted them some extra time. But if they act beyond the rules or the cut-off time, we will definitely file an official objection. The match commissioner has already shown us the appeal forms.”

The issue surfaced during the mandatory managers’ meeting held at 4 PM today, where both teams were expected to submit their final 23-man squad lists to the AFC match commissioner. India, however, arrived without their completed squad list. Bangladesh manager Amer Khan confirmed the situation, stating that the Indian officials had requested additional time from the AFC match commissioner to submit their players’ list. Bangladesh informed the commissioner that they would submit their squad after completing their official training session in the evening. It insisted that India must do the same within the required time.

Although submitting the squad list the day before a match is compulsory, Bangladesh’s head coach, Javier Cabrera, had not followed this protocol in previous fixtures. This time, however, he chose to use the rule to apply strategic pressure on the Indian camp. Bangladesh began their training at the National Stadium at 6:30 PM, after which their 23-man squad would be submitted from the team hotel.

Bangladesh has also prepared to lodge an official complaint if India submits their list late or includes Ryan Williams without proper authorization. Amer Khan mentioned that the match commissioner had granted India a short extension but made it clear that Bangladesh would file a formal objection if India acted outside the regulations. The match commissioner even showed Bangladesh the official objection forms that could be filed.

Ryan Williams' eligibility is in question due to his recent acquisition of an Indian passport through family heritage, despite having previously represented Australia at youth and senior levels. To switch national teams, he needs a no-objection certificate from Football Australia and approval from FIFA’s Players’ Status Committee. Only after these clearances can he be officially registered for the tournament. Despite the lengthy and complex procedure, India’s head coach Khalid Jamil included Williams in the squad and brought him to Dhaka. At the pre-match press conference, Jamil confirmed that they have not yet received the necessary clearance and are still awaiting confirmation.