New Delhi, Jul 24 (IANS): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has come up with a policy to create a support system for football players and technical staff who have served Indian national teams and may require support related to hospitalisation costs, or grants to their families in case of the footballer's death.

The head coach, assistant coach, goalkeeping coach, FIFA referees and assistant referees will come under the periphery of the technical staff.

"The AIFF has laid down certain guidelines for an individual to apply for financial support and all players/technical staff, who have represented the country since 1950 are eligible to apply. Each request will be assessed on a case-to-case basis on the basis of the guidelines laid down. The policy has been categorised into three categories based on the level of competitions participated, details of which can be obtained here," said an AIFF statement.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said, "The AIFF values the immense contribution of the players who have brought laurels for the country. While AIFF has financially assisted players and staff even in the past on a case-to-case basis, we have now tried to formalise the process. We have henceforth, laid down a procedure wherein we are ready to help for the benefit of all our heroes, and their families."