Founded on 1 February 2013, the Elite Academy started as a youth development project between the AIFF and FIFA.
[2] The first phase was starting of regional academies in Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi and Sikkim.
[3] The reason given for the delay was due to the rampant age-cheating during trials for the regional academies.
Of the 120 players selected after playing in the Subroto Cup and other youth competitions, 84 were found to be over-aged and not even acceptable for the under-16 category.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.