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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
John Duerden

Threat of Fifa ban looms over India and Chhetri’s hopes of passing Messi

India celebrate this month’s win over Hong Kong in an Asian Cup qualifier.
India celebrate this month’s win over Hong Kong in an Asian Cup qualifier. Photograph: Dipa Chakraborty/Pacific Press/Shutterstock

If Estonia had not conceded five goals to Lionel Messi this month, India’s legendary striker Sunil Chhetri would be second behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the highest active international goalscorers’ list. The 37-year-old has 84, two behind the Argentinian, after scoring four in the just-finished third round of qualification for the 2023 Asian Cup.

That haul helped India win all three games and stroll to a second successive appearance at the continent’s biggest event. Chhetri is a little concerned, however, that he may not be able to participate in the tournament – and not because there is currently no host after China relinquished those duties last month. The worry is that India may be hit with a Fifa ban.

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