New Delhi: In a year when cash-rich ISL created waves and brought Indian football to the notice of the world, its national team slumped to its worst-ever FIFA rankings dropping to 171st in the 209-nation chart.
The world’s second most populous country now lies below little-known nations Montserrat in the Caribbeans and Sao Tome Principe in Africa and just a rung above southern neighbours Sri Lanka. In fact, last month’s 170th rank was also the lowest ranking in history before this month’s chart. The earlier lowest since FIFA rankings began in 1993 was 169th in November 2012. Among 46 Asian countries, India now ranked 35th. India, under Dutchman Wim Koevermans, began the year at 156th but slipped 15 places to 171st. (pti)