AIFF drops Palestine

The decision was taken at a meeting of the AIFF, the tournament sponsors ONGC and Delhi Soccer Association officials, after Palestine said they would send a ‘B’ side instead of their national ‘A’ squad.

The tournament, to be held at Ambedkar Stadium here, will now a round-robin format among five teams — Syria, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, Kyrgyzstan, besides India. “Palestine has been removed from Nehru Cup and the draw of the round-robin format will be announced tomorrow,” an official said. Earlier in the day, Palestine made it clear that they cannot send their ‘A’ team for the Nehru Cup and said they would withdraw from the event if the organisers have problem with ‘B’ team.