AIFF to Pay Two Years' Salary to Marquez if Sacked for Poor Performance

AIFF to Pay Two Years’ Salary to Marquez if Sacked for Poor Performance

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has agreed to pay two years’ salary to Manolo Marquez if he is sacked for poor performance before May 31, 2026. This is a significant departure from the previous contract with Igor Stimac, which did not include a termination clause favorable to AIFF.

Marquez, who was appointed as the senior national team head coach from August 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026, will receive a total salary of $407,000 (approximately ₹3.4 crore) during his tenure. The AIFF will be obligated to pay the remaining balance if Marquez is removed before May 2026 for reasons other than misconduct or material breach of contract.

This clause was requested by Marquez, who was leaving a secure position at FC Goa to take up the role with the national team. The AIFF agreed to this request as a safeguard for Marquez, who is leaving a guaranteed contract with FC Goa.

The terms of Marquez’s contract are similar to those of Stimac’s contracts after October 2022. However, Stimac’s previous contracts included a clause that required AIFF to pay his salary for three months as compensation if he was removed. This clause was removed when Stimac’s contract was renewed in 2022 and was not included in the extension he signed in October 2023.

Stimac, who was sacked last June after India failed to make the third round of World Cup qualification, has filed a complaint with FIFA seeking compensation for the rest of his contract till June 2026. AIFF had argued that Stimac’s contract should have included a termination clause favorable to AIFF.

“There is a difference in the two cases,” said Satyanarayan Muthyalu, then acting secretary-general of AIFF. “In Manolo’s case, he had a contract with a club (FC Goa) for two years which he is leaving so that is a minimum safeguard that any coach will ask for.”

Marquez’s first assignment with the national team will be the Intercontinental Cup, which begins in Hyderabad on Tuesday. India will play Mauritius and Syria in the tournament.

Odisha's Junior Football Triumph Tainted by Age-Fudging Allegations

Odisha’s Junior Football Triumph Tainted by Age-Fudging Allegations

Odisha’s Junior Football Triumph Marred by Age-Fudging Allegations

Odisha’s historic qualification for the final of the Dr. BC Roy Trophy, the boys’ junior national football championship, has been overshadowed by allegations of age fudging. The tournament, which began in 1962, saw Odisha reach the final for only the third time. However, the achievement has been tainted by claims that the team fielded 12 overage players.

The Football Association of Odisha (FAO) has denied the allegations, but the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has launched an inquiry. The issue of age fudging is not new in Indian youth sports, with several state associations struggling to form squads for upcoming tournaments due to mandatory age tests.

The FAO has raised concerns that details of age tests conducted for the national under-15 league earlier this year were not shared with states. The association argues that it had no knowledge of the results of the TW3 (Tanner Whitehouse 3) tests, which estimate a person’s age through X-rays.

The AIFF has acknowledged that Odisha did not violate any rules for the BC Trophy, which did not require TW3 tests. However, the federation plans to introduce the tests from next year.

The FAO has also questioned why the allegedly overage players were allowed to register in the AIFF’s centralized registration system. The AIFF has admitted to teething problems in implementing the TW3 tests across youth leagues and states but is committed to reducing age fraud.

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.

FIFA Seeks Update on AIFF Constitution Amid Legal Delay

FIFA Seeks Update on AIFF Constitution Amid Legal Delay

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing scrutiny from FIFA over the delay in adopting its new constitution. In a letter dated June 22, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed concern that they had not received an update from AIFF since July 31, 2023, and requested a response by July 5.

AIFF responded, stating that the matter is currently sub-judice, meaning it is being considered by the Supreme Court of India. However, FIFA-AFC emphasized that the AIFF Congress, as the supreme legislative body of the federation, should have the authority to amend statutes without judicial intervention.

The FIFA-AFC letter refers to a meeting held on May 16, 2023, where AIFF was asked to provide an update on the new constitution. This followed a Supreme Court order appointing former Justice Nageswara Rao to oversee the drafting process. Rao submitted the draft statutes to the court on July 31, 2023, but the matter has since been delayed due to objections from stakeholders.

AIFF has stated that the Supreme Court granted stakeholders the opportunity to file objections to the draft constitution. However, the federation’s objections were initially excluded from the compilation by the court-appointed Amicus Curiae. AIFF was subsequently allowed to file its objections on March 19, 2024.

The delay in adopting the new constitution has raised concerns about AIFF’s compliance with FIFA and AFC statutes. AIFF was suspended by FIFA in August 2022 for third-party influence, but the ban was lifted after the federation held elections in September 2022.

FIFA and AFC have reiterated that AIFF’s constitution must be in line with their statutes and approved by the AIFF general body without any interference from third parties. The ongoing legal proceedings and objections from stakeholders have prevented AIFF from finalizing and adopting the new constitution.

AIFF Data Leak: ICC Report and Police Complaint Filed

AIFF Data Leak: ICC Report and Police Complaint Filed

AIFF Data Leak: Internal Complaints Committee Report and Police Complaint

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken swift action in response to recent reports of a confidential data leak involving its employees. The Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) of the AIFF convened a meeting on Friday to investigate the matter.

After thorough deliberations, the ICC concluded that the allegations of confidentiality and IT policy breaches do not fall within its purview. However, the committee emphasized the importance of the AIFF taking prompt action against any such breaches to protect the rights of its staff.

Meanwhile, the AIFF has filed an official complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit of the Delhi Police on May 7th. The federation has pledged its full cooperation with the authorities and expressed confidence that the investigation will yield positive results.

Acting Secretary General M Satyanarayan stated, “We are committed to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of our staff members. We are taking all necessary steps to resolve this issue. In addition to the ICC meeting, we have filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Unit, who have assured us of their support.”

The AIFF has reiterated its commitment to upholding the privacy and security of its employees. The federation is determined to take all appropriate measures to prevent and address any breaches of confidentiality or IT policies.

AIFF Technical Committee Unhappy with Stimac After Afghanistan Loss

AIFF Technical Committee Unhappy with Stimac After Afghanistan Loss

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) technical committee has expressed dissatisfaction with head coach Igor Stimac following India’s disappointing performance in the recent friendlies against Afghanistan. The committee met on Thursday to discuss the team’s 2-1 home defeat and 0-0 away draw against the lower-ranked opponents.

“Pretty much no one is happy with him after the loss in Guwahati,” said a technical committee member, requesting anonymity. “We have conveyed that.”

The committee’s concerns stem from India’s lackluster displays and failure to secure a win against Afghanistan, who are ranked 41 places below them in the FIFA rankings. This marks the first time India has lost to Afghanistan at home.

The technical committee had previously met with Stimac virtually in February, where they emphasized the importance of positive results in the upcoming FIFA windows in March and June. However, the recent setbacks have raised doubts about Stimac’s ability to deliver.

Removing Stimac immediately would trigger a hefty compensation package, as his contract runs until 2026 and is worth $30,000 per month. AIFF is reportedly exploring options to negotiate an amicable solution with the Croatian coach.

Despite the setbacks, India remains in contention for a place in the third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. They are currently second in Group A with four points from four games, ahead of Afghanistan on goal difference. A win against Kuwait on June 6 could secure their qualification.

Stimac has previously stated that he will resign if India fails to qualify for the third round. He is expected to leave for home from New Delhi on Friday.

AIFF Employee Alleges Harassment, ICC Meets to Discuss

AIFF Employee Alleges Harassment, ICC Meets to Discuss

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is embroiled in yet another controversy, this time involving allegations of harassment against a male employee by a female colleague. The woman has lodged a “verbal” complaint but has not yet pressed formal charges.

The AIFF’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) convened on Tuesday to discuss the matter. The woman requested time before proceeding further with her complaint. “She made a verbal complaint and despite not doing it in writing and not pressing for charges, the ICC escalated the matter and the committee met to discuss the issue. She has sought time to decide on whether to press charges or not,” an AIFF source told PTI.

The ICC is expected to submit a report on the matter within a few days. The AIFF has been plagued by controversies lately, including accusations of corruption against its President Kalyan Chaubey. The national men’s team’s recent shocking loss to an under-strength Afghanistan in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match has further compounded the federation’s woes.

The AIFF constituted the ICC in January under the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013. The committee is responsible for investigating and addressing complaints of sexual harassment within the organization.

The allegations of harassment come at a time when the AIFF is facing scrutiny from various quarters. The Supreme Court has appointed a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to oversee the federation’s operations. The CoA is tasked with implementing reforms and ensuring transparency in the AIFF’s functioning.

The AIFF has not yet issued an official statement on the harassment allegations. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of women employees within the organization. It remains to be seen how the AIFF will handle the matter and whether it will take appropriate action to address the allegations.

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

AFC Demands Evidence in Corruption Allegations Against AIFF President

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has taken cognizance of the corruption allegations leveled against All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey by the organization’s former legal head, Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. The AFC has requested Bhattacharjee to submit a detailed written report outlining his allegations and supporting evidence by March 18, 2024.

Bhattacharjee, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accused Chaubey of involvement in non-transparent tender processes and attempts to misappropriate federation funds for personal expenses. Chaubey has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless” and accusing Bhattacharjee of attempting to damage his reputation.

The AFC’s intervention highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on Indian football’s reputation. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has also weighed in, calling for Chaubey’s resignation and new elections to clean up the AIFF administration.

Bhattacharjee has remained steadfast in his position, claiming that he refused to sign a “lopsided” agreement with Indigo Airlines during his tenure, which would have provided a minimum guarantee of Rs 7 crore for content creation rights without any incentive for Indian football.

Chaubey has provided a point-by-point rebuttal to Bhattacharjee’s allegations, but Bhattacharjee has vowed to submit all his evidence to the AFC. He has also invited others concerned about Indian football to share any information they may have.

The AFC’s investigation could have significant consequences for Indian football. If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to sanctions against the AIFF and damage the reputation of the sport in the country. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by all stakeholders in Indian football.

AIFF Charters Plane for Men's National Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

AIFF Charters Plane for Men’s National Team Ahead of World Cup Qualifier

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) decision to charter a plane for the men’s national team three days before its annual general meeting has been hailed as a game-changer. AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey’s assurance to head coach Igor Stimac of a “no-compromise stand” has lifted spirits within the team.

The move comes amidst allegations of financial foul play and cronyism made by a former legal head of AIFF. However, Chaubey has denied these allegations, writing to his executive committee to address the concerns.

The decision to charter a plane for the team’s World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan on March 21 is a significant step towards improving the team’s performance. By flying directly to Abha in Saudi Arabia, the team will avoid the fatigue and potential injuries associated with multiple layovers.

This move demonstrates the AIFF’s commitment to providing the best possible support to the national team. It is a clear indication that the federation is determined to create an environment where the team can thrive and achieve success.

The team’s performance in recent months has been mixed. They have shown flashes of brilliance, but have also struggled to maintain consistency. The decision to charter a plane is a sign that the AIFF is taking steps to address these issues and help the team reach its full potential.

The team’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan is a crucial match. A win would boost their chances of qualifying for the next round of the competition. The AIFF’s decision to charter a plane is a clear indication that they are determined to give the team the best possible chance of success.

AIFF President Chaubey Denies Allegations, Accuses Bhattacharjee of Malicious Intent

AIFF President Chaubey Denies Allegations, Accuses Bhattacharjee of Malicious Intent

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey has vehemently denied allegations of financial impropriety and misconduct leveled against him in recent media reports. In a letter to Member Associations and Executive Committee members, Chaubey asserted that he has served a defamation notice on Advocate Nilanjan Bhattacharjee, who initiated the “media trial.”

Chaubey clarified the circumstances surrounding the proposed partnership with IndiGo. He explained that the idea emerged during his tenure as IOA Joint Secretary and was presented to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. While a sponsorship deal was not feasible, the airline expressed interest in a marketing and promotion partnership. The agreement, which has not been finalized, involves barter arrangements to promote Indian football through IndiGo’s platforms. Chaubey emphasized that there are no potential financial implications or losses for AIFF.

Regarding production tenders, Chaubey stated that I-League production companies were selected after a joint evaluation by AIFF and FSDL. He requested a report from FSDL on the technical evaluation process and the selection of KPS Studio. Chaubey also noted that Bhattacharjee was involved in the tender selection process and did not raise any concerns at the time.

Chaubey addressed allegations of dummy cameras being used by production teams. He has requested the Acting Secretary-General to gather match details and form a committee to review the recordings. He questioned why Bhattacharjee did not report this issue earlier, raising concerns about his credibility and motives.

Chaubey denied allegations of financial wrongdoings, including sharing legal retainership fees, personal use of AIFF credit cards, interference with judicial bodies, and personal trips at AIFF’s expense. He emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that the allegations are baseless and intended to malign his reputation.

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