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XtraTime Web Desk: In a major development the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have reached a consensus to field only four foreign players in the playing XI from 2021-22 season. It will mean a reduction in the number of foreigners in the squad for all franchises.

The decision is in compliance with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) guidelines and adheres to the 3+1 foreigner's rule from the 2021-22 season. It is learnt the technical committee of the AIFF has also given its nod. The rule will see teams being allowed to field just four foreigners on the field, with one of them required to be from an AFC-affiliated nation.

The I-League clubs will be bound to implement the change from the upcoming season itself while ISL was given an exemption for the 2020-21 season.

During the meeting, ISL organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) had principally agreed to the suggestion but sought time of about a month to discuss the issue internally before confirming.

FSDL had sent a letter to all the clubs, asking for their opinion on the matter subsequently.

Xtra Time understands that few ISL clubs like Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters, Jamshedpur FC are reluctant with the recommendation of registering a maximum number of four foreign players. They want the number of registered foreigners increased from 5-7. There have also been suggestions on not making it mandatory for the Asian foreigner to be in the playing XI as well.

It must be noted that most I-League clubs have welcomed the move and want the foreign players rule to be implemented from 2020-21 seasons itself.