By Sudipto Ganguly
MUMBAI, June 24 (Reuters) - In the wake of a humbling World Cup qualifying defeat by Guam, India's football association has approached the government to allow players of Indian origin to join the national squad, a top official said on Wednesday.
Insisting it was a short-term measure, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has written to the sports ministry seeking an exception to the existing rule which states only Indian passport holders can represent the country.
"Two years ago, Guam had no team but their new coach went around the United States looking for players of Guam origin and found 10 who play in Major League Soccer," AIFF vice president Subrata Dutta told Reuters.