Ryan Williams has received official FIFA approval to represent the Indian national team, a significant development confirmed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday. The decision, finalized by FIFA's Players' Status Chamber on November 19, 2025, marks the culmination of Williams' efforts to switch his international allegiance from Australia to India.
Williams, a 32-year-old forward currently playing for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, recently relinquished his Australian citizenship to become an Indian citizen, a crucial step in fulfilling FIFA's requirements for the change of association. Born in Perth, Williams has previously represented Australia at the U-20 and U-23 levels and earned a senior team cap in 2019 during a friendly match against South Korea. He also has experience playing for English clubs such as Fulham and Portsmouth. His eligibility to play for India stems from his maternal side, with his mother born into an Anglo-Indian family in Mumbai.
The AIFF confirmed that it adhered fully to FIFA's regulatory requirements throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth transition for the player. FIFA's Players' Status Chamber reviewed the request in alignment with the standards set out in the RGAS (Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes), confirming that Williams met all eligibility criteria needed to make the switch.
Despite recently receiving his Indian passport, Williams faced a setback when he was included in India's 23-member squad for their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Bangladesh on Wednesday but was unable to be named in the matchday lineup. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Football Australia arrived after the registration deadline, preventing his participation in the match, which India lost 0-1.
With FIFA's approval now secured, Williams is formally eligible for selection and can represent India in all international competitions. This development provides a significant boost to India's attacking options as the team prepares for future international fixtures. The AIFF expressed their satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting Williams' potential contribution to the national team. Williams himself has expressed his excitement and commitment to representing India, stating, "India, I'm one of your own!".
