‘Igor Stimac’s comments made with sole intent of maligning AIFF’: India football federation responds to former coach’s allegations

The Croatian’s contract was terminated by the AIFF after a disappointing AFC Asian Cup campaign was followed by a failed attempt to take India to the third round of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. During his tenure India’s FIFA ranking went from 101 after the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, to 99 in 2023, to now 121. After that, the former coach had levelled a myriad of accusations on the AIFF, including the mismanagement of his contract, the senior national team, and the overall running of the organisation under president Kalyan Chaubey.

The federation claimed to have provided Stimac full support, including autonomy in team selections, venues and support staff, adding that they facilitated player releases beyond FIFA windows and accommodated the Croat’s various requests, except for a charter flight to Saudi Arabia due to logistical challenges.

The AIFF also expressed shock that Stimac blamed the federation for causing his heart ailment, attempting to deflect the serious matter of his not having been medically fit to render coaching services and his failure to formally disclose the same to the AIFF.

The federation also stated that they wanted to mutually part ways with Stimac but the coach refused and made ‘unprofessional demands.’

“Mr. Stimac’s conduct combined with the waning performance of the national team made the status quo unsustainable. The AIFF had to act in the national interest and to ensure the game moves forward in the country. Mr. Stimac was offered the opportunity to part ways on mutual terms. He refused the offer, making unreasonable and unprofessional demands in response. The AIFF was, thus, left with no option than to terminate Mr. Stimac’s contract for just cause and in compliance with the terms of the contract, offering him a 3 months’ severance fee,” the statement read.