Welcome to Dev's Digest, the regular Sky Sports column where Asian Football Award winner Dev Trehan shares exclusive scoops and thoughtful commentary on the most important stories affecting British South Asians in the beautiful game. In a development that could reshape the composition of the Indian national side, senior officials within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) are reportedly growing more optimistic that players of Indian descent who were raised and trained in the United Kingdom will soon be eligible to wear the blue jersey. Sky Sports News has obtained an exclusive briefing that suggests the existing eligibility rules – which currently force overseas‑born players to renounce their foreign passports before they can represent India – may be relaxed in the near future. At present, the AIFF’s regulations require any footballer with Indian heritage who holds a foreign passport to give up that passport in order to qualify for the senior national team.
This stipulation has effectively barred a whole generation of British‑Indian talent from gaining international caps and from contributing to India’s ambition to climb back into the top‑100 of the FIFA world rankings. The restriction has been a source of frustration for both players and supporters who see the diaspora as a valuable reservoir of skill, experience and professional exposure. During an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Arunava Chaudhuri – former chief operating officer of Mumbai City FC and a long‑time advocate for diaspora involvement – expressed a newfound confidence that the policy barrier will soon be removed.
"We are closer than we have ever been to seeing Overseas Citizens of India represent the Blue Tigers," Chaudhuri said. "Diaspora footballers from Europe can take the Indian team to another level." Chaudhuri’s remarks hint at a broader strategic vision that extends beyond football. He noted that the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games could benefit from a more inclusive approach to national representation, showcasing the country’s multicultural identity on the global stage. Sky Sports News has been tracking the saga of British‑Indian footballers seeking an Indian call‑up for more than ten years.
In 2014, former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra publicly declared his willingness to play for India, even mentioning that cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar had offered his support. Three years later, in 2017, Millwall midfielder Danny Batth – whose father was born in Punjab – told Sky Sports senior correspondent Rob Dorsett that he too harboured a strong desire to don the Indian colours.
The conversation about diaspora eligibility has resurfaced alongside other stories of South Asian influence in English football. West Ham United interim chief executive Karim Virani, speaking at a West Ham and Inclusive Irons event organised with the Desi Ballers collective to mark South Asian Heritage Month, highlighted the club’s commitment to equality and inclusion both on and off the pitch. While West Ham’s immediate priority is to secure promotion back to the Premier League after a relegation‑marred season, Virani stressed that the club’s broader social responsibility includes championing diversity, a principle that aligns with the push to open the national team to overseas‑born talent. The event also celebrated the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season, underscoring how many players of South Asian descent are already making their mark across the English league system, from the Premier League down to non‑league clubs.
In parallel to the football‑related news, Sky News reports that a consortium led by British‑Indian businessman Amit Bhatia is on the cusp of acquiring roughly a one‑third stake in Liverpool FC. The investment group, which counts Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin among its members, would value Liverpool at approximately £4.4 billion ($6 billion), making it one of the most lucrative deals in football history.
While the transaction is still pending comment from Liverpool and its owners, the involvement of a prominent British‑Indian entrepreneur adds another layer to the narrative of South Asian influence in the sport. Turning to the Championship, Dev reflects on one of his favourite moments from eight years ago: Yan Dhanda’s debut for Swansea City against Sheffield United. The young winger, then only 19, entered the game late in a 1‑1 stalemate and scored a dramatic winner that sent the crowd into raptures.
Dhanda later recalled the surreal feeling of hearing his father and cousin cheering from the stands as the ball hit the net, describing it as "the best feeling" of his early career. The column also highlights emerging talent.
Fulham academy prospect Farhaan Ali Wahid has joined National League side Boreham Wood on loan, aiming to gain senior experience after a prolific season in the Premier League 2 that earned him a nomination for Player of the Season. Meanwhile, Riya Mannu has signed for West Bromwich Albion Women, and Pakistan international Zahmena Malik has moved to Actonians, both transfers revealed exclusively by Sky Sports News.
In the realm of sports medicine, Dr. Zaf Iqbal and Pakistani footballer Mariam Mahmood have been shortlisted for the Sports Personality of the Year award at the Asian Achievers Awards. Dr. Iqbal, who contributed to Arsenal’s historic Premier League title in 2023‑24 and their first Champions League final in two decades, is widely respected for his work with top English clubs and his leadership roles within the Premier League Doctors Group and the FA Medical Society.
His involvement was instrumental when, during the 2020‑21 season, Sky Sports News reported that Leicester City’s Monday Night Football match against Crystal Palace was temporarily halted to allow Muslim players to break their Ramadan fast – a precedent that has since become standard practice across the league. Mariam Mahmood’s own story exemplifies the rising profile of South Asian women in football. After making her debut for Pakistan last summer and scoring three goals in her first four caps, she joined Wrexham, helping the club secure a league‑cup double and a historic qualification for European competition.
Finally, the 2026 Asian Football Awards are now open for nominations, inviting the public to recognise excellence across professional, non‑league, grassroots and coaching categories. Interested parties can submit entries via the awards website.
For a deeper dive into South Asian football stories, features and video content, visit Sky Sports’ dedicated South Asians in Football page and feel free to get in touch with Dev’s Digest for your own insights or suggestions. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free!