FIFA ban on India will be catastrophic: Sunil Chhetri on how it can affect Indian football

The 37-year-old said that it would be catastrophic not just for the entire country but also for his age. His remarkable career might end soon, as stated additionally by the icon. He hopes the country does not get a ban despite the ensuing unrest, considering how some people might be playing their last games, hinting at himself. However, he is also optimistic about the future. 

The Supreme Court decided to let go of Patel on May 18 as he had exceeded his tenure as All India Football Federation President. His third term in office was slated to conclude in December 2020, but he threw himself at an SC case, which had been pending since 2017, to extend his stay and refused to run the polls until the issue of a new constitution was settled the top court. It was speculated that the SC ruling could culminate in FIFA imposing a ban on India. In October, the country might lose its right to hold Under-17 Women's World Cup. 

Sunil Chhetri's possible retirement

Sunil Chhetri refused to provide a date despite budding rumours about his retirement. Upon being asked about his retirement, he said, "Same question was asked before the last Asia Cup (2019) that 'what next' and I said the same thing. Five years have passed. It's the same now. I was 32 then; now, I'm 37-38. I don't know, maybe."' The statement was made on June 3, and he also said that he is enjoying his career. He enjoys sprinting with Udanta (Singh), striking headers with (Sandesh) Jhingan, and scoring against Gurpreet. The day he stops enjoying his practice and the matches, he would retire from the sport, although a date has not been decided yet. 

The veteran of 126 international for India admitted that his life had not been an easy ride for the last 21 years. Waking up at six in the morning or doing a 30-minute yoga session before everyone wakes up is tough. He has been living a strict life for a long time. The beloved Indian footballer made an international comeback after more than six months of injury lay-off during India's 0-2 defeat against Jordan in Doha on May 29, their last preparatory outing before the Asian Cup Qualifiers.