The Club vs Country Debate: Yan Dhanda’s Dilemma
The club vs country debate is a common one among football fans, but for former Liverpool attacker Yan Dhanda, it could mean a difficult decision between one or the other. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is eager to represent India at national team level, but local laws prevent citizens from overseas from representing the country in any sport.
Understanding the Debate
The club vs country debate is one that has been discussed among football supporters for years. It usually involves a player having to choose between playing for their club or their country, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being urged to focus on Liverpool over England after regularly being overlooked by Gareth Southgate.
Yan Dhanda’s Dilemma
For Yan Dhanda, the issue is much more complicated. The 24-year-old attacking midfielder spent five years on Merseyside, having joined from West Brom in 2013, becoming the first player of Indian heritage to sign for the club. Now with Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, he played a vital role in their avoiding relegation on the final day of the season.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status is granted to allow unrestricted travel in India, but local laws prevent citizens from overseas from representing the country in any sport. Dual-citizenship is not permitted either, meaning Dhanda would be required to give up his UK passport in order to play for India. That would then make his club career decidedly more difficult, as there is no guarantee he would then move freely around sides in Europe.
In order to play for India, then, and therefore increase their chances of qualify for a World Cup along with other OCI cardholders, Dhanda would require a change of government policy. He has held “positive conversations” with Shaji Prabhakaran, general secretary of the Indian FA, with the hope that federation and government can “come to an agreement.”
India’s FIFA Ranking and World Cup Hopes
India have never taken part in the World Cup, with financial difficulties seeing them withdraw from the 1950 tournament, though they are part of qualification for 2026. They are currently ranked 101st in the world, and as Dhanda explains, it may take a change of policy to improve on that.
Conclusion
For Yan Dhanda, the club vs country debate is a difficult one to make. He is eager to represent India at national team level, but local laws prevent citizens from overseas from representing the country in any sport. He has held “positive conversations” with Shaji Prabhakaran, general secretary of the Indian FA, with the hope that federation and government can “come to an agreement” and permit OCI cards, similar to other countries, which will allow him to represent the Indian football team as a dual national.