Igor Stimac, dismissed as Indian football coach, speaks out against AIFF's management.
In Short:
- Igor Stimac, former head coach of the Indian football team, criticizes the AIFF.
- Claims AIFF's mismanagement led to poor results in Asian Games and Asian Cup.
- Stimac's contract was terminated after failing to progress in FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- He blames AIFF's scheduling decisions for the team’s inadequate preparation.
- Stimac also highlights his health issues due to stress from AIFF’s actions.
Igor Stimac, the former head coach of India’s football team, has voiced strong criticisms against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following his dismissal. The AIFF terminated Stimac’s contract on Monday after India’s recent failures in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and previous tournaments.
Stimac, who was appointed in May 2019, claimed that AIFF’s poor management was a significant factor in the team’s disappointing performances at the Asian Games and the Asian Cup. India exited the Asian Cup without scoring a point or goal, and lost to a U-24 Saudi Arabian team in the Asian Games.
Stimac particularly pointed out the AIFF’s decision to organize the King’s Cup and Merdeka Cup in September without consulting him. He stated that these tournaments added unnecessary strain to the team’s schedule, affecting their preparation for major events.
"Some decisions were made without my consultation, breaching the contract and impacting our performance,” said Stimac. He recounted efforts to negotiate a mutually beneficial calendar with the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), aiming for better preparation for the Asian Games and Asian Cup, but AIFF’s unilateral decisions disrupted these plans.
Stimac also criticized AIFF’s president, accusing him of prioritizing social media appearances over genuine efforts to improve Indian football. He suggested that leadership changes could benefit the sport’s future in India.
Highlighting his struggles, Stimac revealed that he had undergone heart surgery due to stress-induced health issues, exacerbated by the tensions with AIFF. He expressed frustration over the lack of support and the federation’s focus on power rather than football development.
Moreover, Stimac took aim at IM Vijayan, the chairperson of the AIFF technical committee, questioning his effectiveness and the committee’s lack of involvement with the team. He emphasized the need for committee members to engage directly with the team to understand their operations and challenges.
Despite these challenges, Stimac expressed pride in how the team played during his tenure and his dedication to preparing them for major tournaments. However, he noted that the lack of proper support and constant issues made it impossible for him to continue in his role.
In response, AIFF acknowledged Stimac’s remarks and announced that they would release a detailed statement within 48 hours. The federation also indicated a willingness to review the comments made by Stimac and address any valid concerns.
Stimac’s departure underscores ongoing issues within Indian football’s administration and raises questions about the future direction and management of the national team. His criticisms highlight the need for better coordination, transparent decision-making, and supportive leadership to ensure the growth and success of football in India.