Finally, FIFA says Ryan Williams can play for India; he must wait 4 more months for debut

A day after he watched helplessly from the stands as Bangladesh beat India 1-0, former Australia attacker Ryan Williams received FIFA's approval to represent the Blue Tigers.

The 31-year-old was expected to make his India debut in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Dhaka, but the All India Football Federation could not obtain the required FIFA approval in time.

In the absence of the Bengaluru FC winger, who could have made a positive impact on the match, Khalid Jamil's India appeared toothless in attack.

The AIFF said in a statement on Thursday that FIFA's Players' Status Chamber "issued its final decision on November 19, 2025, approving the change of association request for Ryan Williams, thereby making him formally eligible to represent the Indian national team".

The national football body said it adhered to FIFA's regulations. "With the ruling now in effect, Ryan Williams is officially eligible for selection to the Indian national team," AIFF noted.

However, Indian football fans might have to wait a few months to see Williams in a competitive fixture because the next FIFA window is in March.

Williams has an Indian ancestry as his mother was born in an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai. He had to obtain an Indian passport and give up his Australian one to become eligible to play for India, as the country does not accept players with dual citizenship.