Yesterday, at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, India suffered a defeat against Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match. However, controversy ensued as Indian players vehemently claimed that the ball was out of play during a crucial moment in the game.
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This contentious decision has sparked protests on social media platforms, with the hashtag #cheating trending as fans express their dissatisfaction with the match outcome. Watch the video here
Qatar robbed India's spot for FIFA World Cup by cheating openly
— Lakshay Mehta (@lakshaymehta31) June 11, 2024
It's clearly visible that ball has crossed the line for a goal-kick but the nasty Qataris pull it back to tuck in.
CLEARLY NOT A GOAL…!!! 😡 @FIFAcom #IndianFootball #QATIND #FIFA #cheating pic.twitter.com/MCYPAqRrpP
India has a rich history in football that dates back to the late 19th century when the sport was introduced by British colonial rulers. The first official football club in India, Calcutta FC, was established in 1872, marking the beginning of organized football in the country. Over the years, football gained popularity in various regions of India, with the formation of numerous clubs and leagues.
One of the significant milestones in Indian football history was the establishment of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 1937, which became the governing body for the sport in the country. The AIFF has played a crucial role in promoting and developing football at both the grassroots and professional levels.
India’s national football team, also known as the Blue Tigers, has had its ups and downs over the years. The team achieved its greatest success in the 1950s and 1960s when it won several international tournaments, including the Asian Games and the Merdeka Cup. India’s national team also made its debut in the FIFA World Cup in 1950, although they had to withdraw due to various reasons.
In recent years, Indian football has seen a resurgence with the establishment of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014. The ISL has helped raise the profile of football in India and has attracted international players and coaches to the league. Additionally, the development of grassroots football programs and academies has been instrumental in nurturing young talent and improving the overall standard of the sport in the country.
While challenges remain, such as infrastructure, funding, and competition from other sports, India’s football history is a testament to the passion and dedication of players, coaches, and fans who continue to support the growth of the sport in the country.
