AIFF announces Intercontinental Cup opponents, but not before Tajikistan FA

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Monday said India, North Korea, Syria and Tajikistan will compete in the second Intercontinental Cup, but the announcement came hours after the central Asian nation's FA tweeted about the same.

"All India Football Federation confirms the participation of Syria, DPR Korea, and Tajikistan as the participating teams of the second edition of the Hero Intercontinental Cup from July 7-17, 2019," the AIFF said in a release.

However, many hours before the AIFF announcement, Tajikistan Football tweeted, "Tajik national team to play against Syria, North Korea and India at the Intercontinental Cup 2019.

"The rivals of the national team of Tajikistan were identified at the international tournament 'Intercontinental Cup 2019', which will be held from 7 to 18 July in India."

Tajikistan Football's tweet prompted the AIFF to make the tournament details public.

The Blue Tigers come into the competition as defending champions, having won the inaugural edition in