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AIFF Launches Inquiry into Stimac Contract Renewal, Settles Compensation

AIFF Launches Inquiry into Stimac Contract Renewal, Settles Compensation

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has initiated an independent inquiry into the contract renewal procedures of former head coach Igor Stimac. The decision came after the AIFF and Stimac reached a USD 400,000 compensation settlement for terminating his contract.During the AIFF's Annual General Body meeting, members expressed concerns about the renewal, termination, and settlement of Stimac's contract. They called for an investigation into the internal procedures and personnel involved in the 2023 contract renewal, which was allegedly done on "unapproved and unfavorable terms."Stimac had initially filed a claim of USD 920,000 before the FIFA Football Tribunal. However, he eventually reached a full and final settlement with the AIFF. The AIFF noted that the 2023 contract renewal left the federation in a "compromised negotiating position," leading to significant financial detriment.Stimac was sacked in June 2023, a year before his contract was set to expire. The decision followed India's elimination from the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The sacking sparked a public dispute between Stimac and the AIFF, with the Croatian threatening legal action.Sources within the AIFF have revealed that the initial contract with Stimac included a severance clause providing for a three-month notice period. However, the later contract (signed in October 2023) did not have this clause, creating complications for the AIFF in terminating Stimac's contract.Former AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran claimed that the contract extension without a severance clause was "approved" by president Kalyan Chaubey. However, Chaubey denied this assertion, stating that he was not informed about the contract signing.The AIFF also expressed concerns about a former employee, who no longer holds any positions in Indian football, continuing to represent the federation in various committees of the South Asian Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation. The members requested the AIFF Executive Committee to take action to curtail such practices.Meanwhile, the Indian national team is set to establish a permanent address for high-altitude training camps at the newly launched stadium in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The location, situated at 10,000 feet above sea level, is considered ideal for acclimatizing the squad for international competitions.Additionally, the AIFF Executive Committee proposed to include the India U-20 men's national team in the I-League competition. The move aims to provide the team with competitive game time and maintain match fitness throughout the year. The India U20 team will be exempt from promotion-relegation.

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Igor Stimac Files FIFA Complaint Against AIFF for Breach of Contract

Igor Stimac Files FIFA Complaint Against AIFF for Breach of Contract

Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the Indian national football team, has filed a complaint with FIFA seeking compensation from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for breach of contract. Stimac's contract was terminated in June 2023, and he claims that he is entitled to compensation until June 2026, as per the terms of his contract.Stimac's lawyer, Davor Radic, stated that the termination of his client's contract was without just cause and that the compensation offered by the AIFF was unacceptable. The case is likely to be referred to FIFA's Players' Status Chamber, which handles employment-related disputes between associations and coaches of international dimension.Stimac was appointed as India's head coach in May 2019 and was responsible for some notable achievements, including a 0-0 draw against Asian champions Qatar and three tournament wins at home in 2023. However, India's poor performance in the Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers led to his dismissal.Under Stimac's contract, he was entitled to a monthly salary of $30,000 until January 2025 and $40,000 thereafter until June 2026. If AIFF is ordered to pay, the total amount could exceed ₹7.5 crore.The AIFF has not yet received any official communication from FIFA or Stimac regarding the complaint. However, acting secretary-general Satyanarayan Muthyalu stated that the federation will present its version of events to FIFA.Stimac's Croatian assistants, Luka Radman and Frano Srdarev, who had contracts until 2025, are reportedly willing to accept six months' salary from AIFF as compensation.

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Manolo Marquez Embarks on India Football Coaching Challenge

Manolo Marquez Embarks on India Football Coaching Challenge

Manolo Marquez, the newly appointed coach of the Indian men's football team, faces a daunting task. With the departure of Igor Stimac and the retirement of Sunil Chhetri, Marquez inherits a team in transition. However, the Spaniard is undeterred, vowing to improve the team's mentality and performance.Marquez, who also coaches ISL club FC Goa, acknowledges the potential conflict of interest but believes in professionalism. He draws inspiration from renowned coaches like Guus Hiddink and Rinus Michels, who successfully managed both club and country.Marquez's appointment stems from his impressive work in the ISL. After initially dismissing the possibility of coaching in India, he has come to appreciate the country's footballing potential. He believes that Indian players have improved but need to develop a stronger mentality."They are improving, but it is the Indian mentality," Marquez observed. "We need to improve in this aspect. They have to be stronger mentally. In football, technique, tactics, physical condition are important, but if the head doesn't work, you can do nothing."Marquez's immediate goal is to enhance the individual and collective abilities of Indian players. He recognizes the importance of overseas experience and encourages players to seek opportunities abroad."The level of Indian players is better than what it was five years ago. But it can be better and improve faster," said Marquez. "My feeling is that Indian players are very comfortable in ISL. You will grow when you play abroad."Marquez understands the challenges ahead but remains optimistic. He believes that with the right attitude and collective effort, the Indian team can achieve positive results.

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Manolo Marquez Appointed as Indian Men's Football Team Head Coach

Manolo Marquez Appointed as Indian Men's Football Team Head Coach

Spaniard Manolo Marquez, currently the head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men's football team. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) executive committee made the announcement on July 20, replacing Igor Stimac, who was sacked on June 17 after India failed to qualify for the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Marquez, 55, has a wealth of experience in Indian football, having led FC Goa to the ISL League Winners' Shield in 2021 and the Super Cup in 2019. He is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players."The Committee, in the first order of the day, deliberated on the appointment of the new head coach for the Senior Men's National Team, and selected Manolo Marquez for the job, effective immediately," the AIFF said in a statement."During the 2024-25 season, Mr. Marquez will continue his role as the head coach of first team at FC Goa, handling both responsibilities concurrently before assuming the national coaching role on a full-time basis."The tenure of Marquez was not disclosed by the AIFF.Marquez's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some fans and pundits believe that he is the right man for the job, given his experience and success in Indian football. Others, however, are concerned about his ability to manage the national team while also being in charge of FC Goa.Despite these concerns, Marquez is confident that he can succeed in both roles. "I am very happy and proud to be appointed as the head coach of the Indian national team," he said. "I know that it is a big responsibility, but I am confident that I can help the team achieve success."Marquez's first task will be to prepare the team for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, which will be held in June 2023. India will be looking to qualify for the tournament for the first time since 2019.

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AIFF Shortlists 20 Candidates for Indian Men's Team Head Coach

AIFF Shortlists 20 Candidates for Indian Men's Team Head Coach

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has shortlisted 20 "competent" candidates for the position of Indian men's team head coach, following the sacking of Igor Stimac last month. The AIFF's acting secretary general, M Satyanarayan, revealed that the federation has contacted some of the shortlisted coaches to confirm their availability.The shortlisted candidates include both club and national team coaches, with the AIFF considering their experience and suitability for the role. Satyanarayan emphasized that the decision will be based on the coaches' qualifications and their plans for the team.The AIFF is aiming to finalize the shortlist and present it to the executive committee within the next two days. The technical community will also be involved in the decision-making process.Satyanarayan expressed confidence in the team's potential, despite their recent setbacks in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He highlighted the need to finalize friendly matches for the September window to continue the team's development.The retirement of Sunil Chhetri has left a significant void in the team, but Satyanarayan believes that there are potential replacements who can step up. He mentioned that the upcoming Durand Cup could provide an opportunity to identify promising players.The AIFF is keen to appoint a head coach who can guide the team to success in future international competitions. The federation is confident that the shortlisted candidates possess the necessary skills and experience to lead the Indian men's team to greater heights.

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AIFF Receives Overwhelming Response for National Football Coach Position

AIFF Receives Overwhelming Response for National Football Coach Position

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received an overwhelming response to its search for a new head coach for the national men's football team, with 291 applications from across the globe. The window for applications closed on Wednesday, and the AIFF is now reviewing the candidates before presenting a shortlist to the Executive Committee.The applications include 100 candidates with UEFA Pro License diplomas, 20 with AFC Pro License diplomas, and three with CONMEBOL licenses. AIFF chief Kalyan Chaubey expressed his excitement about the interest shown by some of the world's top coaches."We have received an overwhelming response with some of the marquee names having expressed their interest in India," Chaubey said. "We are hoping to onboard the candidate by end July, to ensure India utilise the September FIFA window participation."The position became vacant after the AIFF sacked Igor Stimac last month following India's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Stimac, who was appointed in 2019, had been given an extension until 2026 last October.The AIFF's Technical Committee, headed by Vice President NA Haris, will now review the applications and select a shortlist for the Executive Committee. The new coach is expected to be appointed by the end of July to prepare the team for the September FIFA window.The AIFF is keen to appoint a coach who can help India qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team has been struggling in recent years, and the AIFF believes that a new coach can bring fresh ideas and help the team reach its potential.

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Indian Football Faces Uncertain Future After Chhetri's Retirement and Stimac's Dismissal

Indian Football Faces Uncertain Future After Chhetri's Retirement and Stimac's Dismissal

Indian football has faced significant upheaval recently, with the retirement of star striker Sunil Chhetri and the controversial dismissal of national team coach Igor Stimac. Chhetri's departure has raised concerns about finding a suitable replacement, while Stimac's allegations against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) have sparked further controversy.Former Indian team captain Subrata Paul believes that the key to finding Chhetri's successor lies in giving young talents ample opportunities. He emphasizes that Chhetri's success was not achieved overnight and that it will take time and patience to develop the next top striker."Sunil Chhetri has set a good example, but nothing is permanent," Paul said. "We need to work on the future generation of strikers and put our trust in them."Paul acknowledges that Chhetri's legacy will be difficult to match, but he believes that someone will eventually step up to fill his shoes. "We will not be having this conversation five years later because someone will step up to take Chhetri's position in the national side," he added.Meanwhile, Stimac has criticized the AIFF and its president, Kalyan Chaubey, following his dismissal. Paul declined to comment on Stimac's allegations, stating that he prefers to focus on his own contributions to Indian football."Everybody is entitled to their opinions," Paul said. "However, what we can control is what can we do for Indian football."Despite the challenges facing Indian football, Paul remains optimistic about the future. He believes that by investing in young talent and fostering a positive environment, the sport can continue to thrive in India.

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Igor Stimac Threatens Legal Action Against AIFF Over Sacking

Igor Stimac Threatens Legal Action Against AIFF Over Sacking

Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the Indian football team, has threatened legal action against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) if his dues are not cleared within the next 10 days. Stimac was sacked on Monday, a year before his contract was set to expire, following India's failure to progress beyond the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.Stimac has accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey of breaching his contract multiple times, including changing his public statements, altering the players' list for the Asian Games, and canceling a press conference after the AFC Asian Cup. He also holds Chaubey responsible for the team's poor performance in the World Cup Qualifiers.Stimac claims that the AIFF's actions have caused him serious health problems, including two stents prior to the AFC Asian Cup. He has stated that he no longer wishes to have any contact with the AIFF.In a notice to the AIFF, Stimac has demanded payment for the remaining value of his contract, which could amount to a whopping Rs six crore. He has threatened to file a lawsuit with the FIFA Football Tribunal if his dues are not cleared within the stipulated time frame.The AIFF has not yet responded to Stimac's allegations or demands. The federation is currently facing a number of challenges, including a lack of funds and a dispute with the Supreme Court over its governance structure.Stimac's sacking has sparked controversy within the Indian football community. Some have criticized the AIFF for its handling of the situation, while others have questioned Stimac's performance as head coach. The incident has highlighted the ongoing problems within Indian football, which has been plagued by mismanagement and a lack of transparency for many years.

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India's World Cup Hopes Crushed, Stimac's Future Uncertain

India's World Cup Hopes Crushed, Stimac's Future Uncertain

India's World Cup qualification hopes were dashed after a controversial 1-2 loss to Qatar in Doha, leaving coach Igor Stimac's future uncertain.Stimac, who had previously vowed to step down if he failed to guide India to the third round, expressed hesitation about his future. "We need to discuss internally in the next few weeks where our futures stand," he said.Despite the setback, Stimac remained optimistic about India's footballing future. "India has a good future in football," he asserted. "Our team is not that older than the Qatari team today."Stimac's contract extension, which runs until June 2026, would have been automatically renewed if India had advanced to the third round. However, the team's underwhelming campaign, including a home loss to Afghanistan, has raised questions about Stimac's leadership.Stimac believes that India's World Cup aspirations could be realized if Indian-origin players competing in European leagues were allowed to join the national team. "If we were allowed to use them, then India would qualify for the World Cup regularly," he said.He criticized the lack of competitiveness in the Indian Super League (ISL), arguing that players need to experience high-pressure games throughout the season to prepare for international competition.

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