Super Cup to adhere to AFC’s 6 overseas players’ rule
NEW DELHI, Dec 14: The Kalinga Super Cup will follow the AFC’s six foreign players rule, the AIFF announced on Thursday.The 16 participating teams can register up to six foreign players in the starting line-up with one from Asia.This is in accordance with the AFC club competitions regulations.“This decision has been taken in view of the fact that winners of the Kalinga Super Cup will qualify for the AFC Champions League 2 2024-25,” the AIFF stated.The ISL follows a 3+1 rule -three non-Asian and one Asian player in the starting XI, even as the top-tier league allows to register six foreign players.The 12 ISL clubs have gained direct entry, while the I-League franchises will play the qualifiers to determine the remaining four teams.The teams are divided into four groups with the top-four making the semi-finals.The tournament will take place across two venues in Odisha from January 9-28.Tournament draw is slated on Monday. (PTI)
Para Games: Manish Narwal clinches air pistol gold
NEW DELHI, Dec 14: Top Indian para shooter Manish Narwal added to his string of fine performances over the past few months by winning the men’s 10m air pistol (SH1 category) gold in the Khelo India Para Games here on Thursday.The 21-year-old champion marksman, who had won gold in P4 mixed 50m pistol SH1 category in Tokyo Paralympics, and a bronze in 10m air pistol SH1 at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou recently, scored 240.2 to stand on the top of the podium at the Karni Singh shooting ranges.Haryana’s Manish, who suffers from a disability in his right hand, surpassed his gold-winning score of 239.7 in the same category achieved at this year’s Para Sport Championships.Rudransh Khandelwal, who had clinched silver ahead of Manish in 10m air pistol SH1 at Hangzhou, claimed the second spot here. (PTI)
Legia Warsaw gets $108,000 fine and 5-game away fans ban
NYON, Dec 14: UEFA banned Legia Warsaw fans from five away games in European competitions on Wednesday after a second outbreak of violence outside stadiums this season.Aston Villa cited in a complaint to UEFA “ unprecedented violence ” from Legia fans ahead of the teams’ game on Nov. 30.Legia’s ticket allocation had been cut by local authorities in response to disorder at the team’s game in the Netherlands at AZ Alkmaar in October. UEFA said its disciplinary panel imposed a fine of 100,000 euros ($108,000) and the five-game ticket sales ban for “crowd disturbances, acts of damage, throwing of objects and lighting of fireworks.”The Polish club also was ordered to contact Aston Villa to settle costs for damage caused by fans. (AP)