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The Lebanon Football Association has expressed their regret at not being able to travel to India to play an International Friendly against the Indian National Team on June 7, 2017. Lebanon had earlier in March 2017 confirmed their willingness to play the match in Mumbai. The AIFF is currently looking for a replacement opponent.
Expressing his disappointment, national coach Stephen Constantine said, “The decision of the Lebanon FA, that too at the 11th hour comes as a jolt for our preparations for the crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier against the Kyrgyz Republic. Even as we are trying to find a replacement team, I understand that it’s very difficult as all other Teams have already finalised their matches.”
In an official letter to AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das, Jihad Al Chohof, General Secretary of the Lebanon FA wrote, “We regret to inform you that we will no longer be able to play the friendly match in subject, due to the fact this it is not possible to apply for Entry visas for the majority of National Team visas at the Indian Embassy in Beirut, as they are playing abroad with their respective clubs and it is not possible for them to come to Lebanon to apply for their Entry visas.”
As per rules under Government of India, procurement of visas on arrival for citizens of Lebanon is not granted.
The last couple of years have been extremely encouraging for Indian Football, wherein the National Team has had 11 victories in their last 13 matches (including an unofficial match against Bhutan) scoring a total of 31 goals. For the first time in 21 years and only the sixth time after Independence, the Indian National Team have been ranked among the top 100 Teams in FIFA Rankings in April 2017.
Regarding the visas one need to ask the question, why the AIFF and Government of India did not offer to help Lebanon for their players either to apply for an India visa in the country they are staying and playing or offer an exemption of granting these specific Lebanese citizens, Visa on Arrival facilities in Mumbai.
Sadly India lose a good, tough friendly match opponent ahead of the crucial match against Kyrgyz Republic.
