End of an Era? AIFF sacks Igor Stimac from India's men's football team for THIS reason

New Delhi: In a surprising move, All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to part ways with Igor Stimac, the head coach of India's senior men's football team. It comes exactly a year before his contract was slated to end, following the team's inability to progress beyond the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers despite what was deemed a manageable draw.

Stimac's tenure with 'Blue Tigers'

Appointed in 2019, Igor Stimac brought a wealth of experience from his playing days, notably as part of Croatia's 1998 World Cup semi-finalist squad. His tenure, however, was marked by both highs and lows, including victories in prestigious tournaments such as the SAFF Championships and the Intercontinental Cup. Yet, consistent progress in international competitions eluded the team, culminating in the recent disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

Decision-making process under scrutiny

The AIFF's decision to terminate Stimac's contract was made after a thorough assessment by the technical committee, which scrutinized his performance amid growing dissatisfaction over the team's results and style of play. The final blow came with India's exit from the World Cup qualifiers, punctuated by a controversial defeat to Afghanistan and a contentious loss to Qatar.

Stimac's outspoken nature and occasional clashes with AIFF officials added to the complexities surrounding his tenure. Despite earlier indications that he might resign if the team failed to advance, Stimac remained non-committal until the official decision was handed down. The severance package, pegged at nearly USD 360,000, underscores the financial implications for the AIFF, which has faced budgetary constraints in recent years.

What next?

As India bids farewell to Stimac, the search for a new head coach begins, with expectations high for someone who can guide the team through upcoming challenges, including the Asian Cup and future World Cup qualifying campaigns.