Welcome to Dev's Digest, the regular Sky Sports column where Asian Football Award winner Dev Trehan shares breaking news and offers his perspective on the most important stories affecting British South Asians in football. In this edition, we explore two distinct but equally compelling topics: the growing optimism among Indian football authorities that players of Indian heritage who have grown up and trained in the United Kingdom could soon be eligible to wear the national jersey, and the latest developments surrounding Amit Bhatia’s consortium, which appears poised to acquire a substantial share of Liverpool Football Club.
Indian officials have become increasingly confident that the longstanding barrier preventing overseas‑born players of Indian descent from representing the country will soon be removed. Under the current FIFA eligibility rules, a player who holds a foreign passport must relinquish it in order to be considered for the Indian senior side. This requirement has effectively shut the door on many talented British‑Indian footballers, denying them the chance to earn caps and to contribute to India’s ambition of climbing back into the top‑100 of the FIFA world rankings.
A senior figure within the All India Football Federation (AIFF) told Sky Sports News that he is "convinced" the regulatory obstacle will be cleared. Former Mumbai City FC chief operating officer Arunava Chaudhuri, speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, said: "We are closer than ever to seeing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) representing the Blue Tigers.
The infusion of diaspora talent from Europe could raise the Indian squad to a new competitive level." Chaudhuri added that the conversation now extends beyond football, noting that India’s upcoming role as host of the Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and its long‑term bid for the 2036 Olympic Games could benefit from a stronger football profile. The notion is that a more successful national team would enhance the country’s sporting reputation on the global stage.
The story of British‑born players of Indian origin seeking an India call‑up is not new. Sky Sports has been tracking it for over a decade.
In 2014, former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra announced his willingness to play for India and mentioned that cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar had offered to help facilitate the switch. Three years later, Danny Batth – then a Millwall signing whose father was born in Punjab – reiterated his desire to don the Indian colors during an interview with senior Sky Sports correspondent Rob Dorsett. While the focus has largely been on the national team, the column also touches on club‑level initiatives aimed at promoting inclusion. West Ham United interim chief executive Karim Virani, speaking at a West Ham and Inclusive Irons event organized with Desi Ballers for South Asian Heritage Month, emphasized the club’s commitment to equality both on and off the pitch.
Virani said the primary objective for the season is to secure promotion back to the Premier League, but he also underscored the importance of creating welcoming environments for players, staff, and fans of all backgrounds. Club ambassadors Matt Jarvis and Bobby Seagull were present, and the evening highlighted the 2025/26 British South Asians in Football Team of the Season.
Switching gears, Sky News reports that a consortium led by British‑Indian entrepreneur Amit Bhatia is nearing a deal to purchase roughly one‑third of Liverpool FC. The group includes high‑profile investors such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook co‑founder Eduardo Saverin.
If the transaction goes through, the valuation of Liverpool could reach about £4.4 billion (approximately $6 billion), placing the deal among the most lucrative in football history. Both Liverpool and the Fenway Sports Group have been contacted for comment. The column then returns to the Championship, recalling a memorable debut that still resonates with fans.
Eight years ago, Yan Dhanda made his first senior appearance for Swansea City against Sheffield United. The match was tied 1‑1 late in Graham Potter’s inaugural game as Swansea manager when Dhanda was subbed on. He described the moment in a 2018 interview: "I’d been dreaming all night about scoring on my debut.
When the ball fell to me I just hit it, and my dad and cousin were in the stands. It was the best feeling ever." Further transfer news includes Fulham youngster Farhaan Ali Wahid moving on loan to National League side Boreham Wood, where he will gain his first taste of senior football after a prolific season in the Premier League 2 that earned him a nomination for Player of the Season. In the women’s game, Riya Mannu signed for West Bromwich Albion Women, while Pakistan international Zahmena Malik joined Actonians, both moves revealed exclusively by Sky Sports. The Asian Achievers Awards have shortlisted Dr Zaf Iqbal and Pakistan international Mariam Mahmood for Sports Personality of the Year.
Dr Zaf, a respected football doctor who contributed to Arsenal’s historic 2020‑21 Premier League title and Champions League final appearance, has previously chaired the Premier League Doctors Group and co‑chaired the FA Medical Society. His work helped establish a precedent for pausing matches during Ramadan, a practice that became standard across English football in 2023. Mariam Mahmood’s rise has been equally impressive.
After debuting for Pakistan last summer and scoring three goals in her first four caps, she joined Wrexham, where she helped the club secure a league‑cup double and qualify for European competition for the first time in its history. Finally, the 2026 Asian Football Awards are now open for nominations, inviting the public to submit candidates across categories ranging from the professional game to grassroots coaching. Interested parties can visit the awards website for details. For more stories, features and videos, explore the South Asians in football hub on skysports.com, or get in touch with us to share your own experiences.
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