Pakistan could face an important selection challenge ahead of the SAFF Championship, with questions surrounding the availability of overseas-based defenders Easah Suliman and Abdullah Iqbal.

However, neither player has been officially ruled out, and there is currently no verified confirmation that they will miss the tournament.

Why Their Availability Matters

Suliman, who plays for Sumqayıt in Azerbaijan, brings valuable European club experience to Pakistan's defensive line.

Iqbal, meanwhile, has emerged as a key figure in the national team and captained Pakistan during their recent FIFA ASEAN Cup campaign.

Both players were part of Pakistan's September squad, highlighting their importance to head coach Nolberto Solano.

Could the FIFA Calendar Create Problems?

The SAFF Championship begins before the November FIFA international window, which opens on November 9.

That could complicate early player releases, particularly for footballers contracted to overseas clubs. However, it does not automatically mean Suliman or Iqbal will be unavailable.

Pakistan's opening fixtures and final squad announcements will provide a clearer picture.

Playmaker India View

Pakistan have made progress in assembling a competitive squad featuring overseas-based talent, but consistency and squad availability remain important challenges.

Losing either Suliman or Iqbal would potentially weaken their defensive organisation, particularly against stronger regional opponents.

For Solano, the priority should be securing their availability while preparing reliable alternatives in case club commitments interfere.

Pakistan cannot afford to build their entire defensive structure around players whose availability is not guaranteed.

The US-based footballer impressed during Bangladesh's SAFF U20 Championship campaign, where his attacking contributions helped the team secure the title.

His potential return comes at an important time for head coach Thomas Dooley, who is preparing Bangladesh for the regional competition amid uncertainty over the availability of several overseas-based players.

Why Sullivan's Return Matters

Bangladesh have often struggled with consistency in the final third. Sullivan offers movement, energy and another option in attack.

However, the youngster still has to prove himself at senior international level, where the physical demands and tactical challenges will be considerably different.

With the tournament beginning before the November FIFA international window, players such as Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome could face difficulties securing early release from their clubs.

My View

Sullivan's return is encouraging, but Bangladesh should avoid placing unnecessary expectations on a young footballer.

If Dooley can integrate him into a balanced attacking system, Sullivan could become an important part of Bangladesh's future.

The bigger question is whether Bangladesh can build on their youth-level success and translate it into consistent performances at senior level.

German giants Borussia Dortmund are reportedly set to hold discussions with Kerala Blasters FC officials in Kochi over a possible technical partnership.

The proposed collaboration could focus on youth development, coaching education and academy infrastructure. However, the meeting and any potential agreement are yet to receive official confirmation.

For Kerala Blasters, this could be an exciting opportunity. But Indian football has seen similar European partnerships before, and not all have delivered the results supporters expected.

Dortmund's Previous Partnership With Hyderabad FC

Back in August 2020, Dortmund announced a two-year partnership with Hyderabad FC, with an option to extend until 2025.

The agreement promised academy development, coaching education and technical expertise from the Bundesliga club.

However, the partnership struggled to gain momentum. In 2022, Hyderabad FC co-owner Varun Tripuraneni admitted that COVID-19 had prevented the clubs from conducting planned on-ground activities.
Despite the initial excitement, there has been limited publicly documented evidence of significant long-term player development outcomes directly resulting from that partnership
That doesn't mean the collaboration achieved nothing, but its impact was far less visible than many supporters had hoped.

Dortmund Already Has Other Connections in India

In 2023, Dortmund partnered with the AMM Foundation's Murugappa Youth Football Academy in Chennai, focusing on grassroots football, coach education and youth development.
The German club also established a relationship with Kerala-based Muthoot Football Academy.

These initiatives demonstrate Dortmund's continued interest in Indian football, although their long-term impact on producing professional players remains difficult to measure publicly.

What Should Kerala Blasters Do Differently?

Kerala Blasters must ensure that any partnership goes beyond promotional announcements and social media campaigns.

The priority should be a proper academy structure, regular visits from Dortmund's technical staff, coaching programmes for Indian trainers and opportunities for promising Kerala youngsters to experience football in Germany.

Most importantly, there should be a clear pathway from the academy into the Kerala Blasters senior team, supported by measurable development targets.

Playmaker India View

Kerala Blasters already have something many Indian clubs struggle to build: a passionate football culture and an enormous fanbase.

What they need now is a sustainable development system.

Dortmund's reputation for developing young talent makes this an interesting possibility, but the Hyderabad FC experience offers a reminder that European partnerships do not automatically transform Indian clubs.

The real success of this potential tie-up should not be measured by how many Dortmund jerseys appear in Kochi, but by how many young footballers from Kerala eventually make it to the professional level.

FC Goa AFC Challenge League 2026/27: Full Fixtures, Match Timings and Where to Watch Live

FC Goa are set to begin their AFC Challenge League 2026/27 campaign on October 17 in Kuwait, with three important group-stage fixtures against Regar-TadAZ, Fortis FC and Al Qadsia SC.

The Gaurs will represent Indian football in the continental competition, facing opposition from Tajikistan, Bangladesh and Kuwait in Group C.

With three matches scheduled across seven days, FC Goa will have little room for error as they look to progress to the knockout stages.

FC Goa AFC Challenge League 2026/27 Fixtures

All timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST).

All three fixtures will take place in Kuwait.

Where to Watch FC Goa AFC Challenge League Matches Live?

Football fans can follow FC Goa's AFC Challenge League 2026/27 campaign on Playmaker India.

Live match coverage and available streams will be featured on our website on the respective matchdays.

Watch here: https://www.playmakerindia.online/

Fans can visit Playmaker India ahead of kickoff on October 17, 20 and 23 to access the matchday coverage.

An official Indian television broadcaster or streaming platform for these fixtures has not yet been independently confirmed.

Three Matches, Three Different Challenges

FC Goa will open their campaign against Tajikistan's Regar-TadAZ on October 17 before facing Bangladesh's Fortis FC three days later.

Their final group-stage fixture against Kuwait's Al Qadsia SC on October 23 could prove particularly important in determining their qualification hopes.

Playing all three fixtures within a week will test the Gaurs' squad depth, recovery and ability to adapt to different opponents.

For FC Goa, the objective is straightforward: secure enough points to progress beyond the group stage and extend their continental campaign.

Stay connected with Playmaker India for FC Goa's AFC Challenge League fixtures, live match coverage, results and Indian football updates.

Exclusive: Naushad Moosa to Lead India at SAFF Championship 2026

India U23 head coach Naushad Moosa is set to take charge of the Indian national team for the SAFF Championship 2026, sources have confirmed to Playmaker India.

India are expected to field a predominantly U23 squad for the regional tournament, supplemented by selected senior national team players who will not feature in the upcoming friendly against New Zealand.

The decision would allow India to maintain a competitive squad at the SAFF Championship while giving younger players valuable international exposure.

Moosa, who has been working with India's U23 setup, will lead the side in what could be an important opportunity for emerging Indian footballers to establish themselves at senior international level.

The squad selection will be particularly interesting, with several younger players potentially getting the chance to compete alongside experienced internationals.

Playmaker India understands that Moosa's appointment and the proposed squad composition have been confirmed by sources familiar with the plans. An official announcement from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is still awaited.

East Bengal Players Reportedly Boycott Training Over Unpaid Salaries Ahead of ISL Opener

15 October 2026 | Playmaker India

East Bengal FC's preparations for the new Indian Super League season have taken an unexpected turn, with players reportedly refusing to train on Wednesday over unpaid salaries.

According to reports from Aajkaal and MyKhel, members of the senior squad arrived at the training ground in Kolkata on 14 October but decided against participating in the session. Players and support staff are reportedly owed around three months of wages.

The issue is understood to extend beyond the first team, with academy and U23 players also awaiting payments.

Financial Troubles Behind the Scenes

East Bengal have faced financial uncertainty following Emami's departure as their principal investor. With no major replacement investor reportedly secured, the club has struggled to meet its financial commitments.

According to MyKhel, frustration within the squad had been building since September, ahead of the IFA Shield, before Wednesday's reported protest brought matters to a head.

The management is understood to be working towards clearing a significant portion of the outstanding salaries by Thursday. However, there has been no independent confirmation that the payments have been completed.

Not the Start Habas Would Have Wanted

The timing could hardly be worse for Antonio López Habas.

East Bengal are coming off a disappointing 3–2 defeat to Iraqi side Al Shorta in the AFC Champions League Two, a match in which they twice surrendered the lead.

They now face Churchill Brothers SC in Goa on Sunday, 18 October, in their opening ISL fixture.

For Habas, the immediate concern will be getting his players back on the training pitch. For the management, the priority is more straightforward: settling the outstanding wages.

East Bengal enter the season as defending champions, but the latest developments raise uncomfortable questions about the club's financial position.

Supporters will understandably want answers. More importantly, the people working for the club deserve clarity over when they will be paid.