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Stimac: India Missed Opportunity Under My Leadership

Stimac: India Missed Opportunity Under My Leadership

By September 11, 2024 0

Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the Indian national football team, has expressed his disappointment over the team’s recent performances under new coach Manolo Marquez. Stimac, who was sacked in June after India failed to qualify for the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, believes that the team has missed an opportunity to progress under his leadership.

“The future will show how right I was,” Stimac said. “I was clear about what needs to be done to get in a good place but not many who run football cared.”

Stimac pointed to the team’s impressive performances during his tenure, including winning three successive tournaments at home in 2023 and taking Iraq to penalties in the World Cup qualifiers. However, he believes that the team’s progress was hindered by a lack of support from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs.

“We played some wonderful games and I had a wonderful time with the players many of whom still keep in touch,” Stimac said. “But obviously when it was most needed, these people didn’t want to sacrifice a few weeks of ISL for the national team.”

Stimac also criticized the intensity of the ISL, which he believes is not sufficient to prepare players for international football.

“The intensity of ISL is not even 50% of intensity of international football,” Stimac said. “And there are no foreign players to help. So, you are put in a situation where you cannot do well.”

Stimac believes that the team’s recent struggles are a result of these factors and that the AIFF and ISL clubs need to do more to support the national team.

“And after each reversal, supporters will criticize either players or the coach,” Stimac said. “That is not where they should be pointing fingers.”

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AIFF Launches Inquiry into Stimac Contract Renewal, Settles Compensation

AIFF Launches Inquiry into Stimac Contract Renewal, Settles Compensation

By September 11, 2024 0

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 Receives USD 400,000 Compensation from AIFF

Igor Stimac Receives USD 400,000 Compensation from AIFF

By September 8, 2024 0

Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, has reached an agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to receive USD 400,000 (approximately ₹3.36 crore) after tax as compensation for his termination.

Stimac was sacked by the AIFF in June, a year before his contract was set to expire, following 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 Croat threatening legal action if his dues were not settled within 10 days.

However, the two parties have now reached an amicable resolution. “The AIFF top brass has approved payment of USD 400,000 as compensation to settle the issue with AIFF,” a source close to the development told PTI.

The compensation amount is significant for the AIFF, which has faced financial challenges in recent times and has reduced its competitions budget this year. The federation had initially offered Stimac three months’ salary as compensation, but he rejected the offer and filed a claim with FIFA for USD 920,000 (approximately ₹7.72 crore) as two years’ salary.

Stimac, who was appointed as head coach in 2019, was given an extension until 2026 by the AIFF in October 2021. However, the extension was conditional on the team reaching the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup, a feat that India has never achieved. India finished last in their group in the 2011 and 2015 editions of the continental tournament.

Manolo Marquez has replaced Stimac as the new head coach of the Indian men’s team. Stimac had previously rejected offers from the AIFF to settle for five and then 10 months’ salary.

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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

By August 31, 2024 0

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.

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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

By August 19, 2024 0

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

By August 11, 2024 0

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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Igor Stimac Announces Second List of Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Igor Stimac Announces Second List of Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

By May 7, 2024 0

Indian football’s senior men’s team head coach Igor Stimac has unveiled his second list of 15 probables for the Bhubaneswar camp in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar. This announcement follows the release of the first list of 26 probables on Saturday.

The 26 players from the first list will commence training in the Odisha capital on May 10. The 15 players from the second list, comprising players from Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan SG who contested the ISL Cup final, will join the camp on May 15.

A total of 41 players will participate in the national camp. The Blue Tigers will face Kuwait in Kolkata on June 6 before traveling to Qatar on June 11 for their final two matches of Group A.

India currently stands second in the group with four points from four matches. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure their place at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Second List of 15 Probables for Bhubaneswar Camp (Training from May 15):

* Goalkeepers: Phurba Tempa Lachenpa, Vishal Kaith
* Defenders: Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose
* Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad
* Forwards: Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh

First List of 26 Probables for Bhubaneswar Camp (Training from May 10):

* Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
* Defenders: Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, Lalchungnunga, Muhammad Hammad, Narender, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Naorem
* Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, Imran Khan, Isak Vanlalruatfela, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Mohammad Yasir, Nandhakumar Sekar, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan
* Forwards: David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, Lalrinzuala, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri

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India Announces 26 Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Camp

India Announces 26 Probables for FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Camp

By May 4, 2024 0

Indian football’s quest for a berth in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 faces a crucial juncture as head coach Igor Stimac unveils his first list of 26 probables for the upcoming Bhubaneswar camp. The Blue Tigers are set to face Kuwait and Qatar in their final two matches of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2.

India currently sits second in the group with four points from four matches, trailing group leaders Qatar by five points. The top two teams in the group will advance to Round 3 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and secure a spot at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Stimac’s first list of probables includes a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. Goalkeepers Amrinder Singh and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will provide stability between the posts, while defenders Amey Ganesh Ranawade, Jay Gupta, and Lalchungnunga will form the backbone of the defense.

Midfielders Brandon Fernandes, Edmund Lalrindika, and Jeakson Singh Thounaojam will be tasked with controlling the tempo of the game, while forwards David Lalhlansanga, Jithin Madathil Subran, and Sunil Chhetri will lead the attack.

India’s hopes of qualifying for the third round hinge on their ability to secure positive results in their remaining matches. While defeating Qatar in Doha will be a daunting task, the Blue Tigers will be determined to overcome Kuwait on home soil on June 6.

However, Afghanistan’s recent victory over India has cast a shadow over the team’s qualification hopes. Afghanistan now has four points from four matches and could potentially overtake India in the standings.

The Bhubaneswar camp will provide Stimac with an opportunity to assess the fitness and form of his players and finalize his squad for the crucial matches against Kuwait and Qatar. The Blue Tigers will need to perform at their best to keep their World Cup and Asian Cup dreams alive.

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India's Football Team Suffers Historic Low, Raises Questions About Stimac's Future

India’s Football Team Suffers Historic Low, Raises Questions About Stimac’s Future

By March 29, 2024 0

India’s men’s football team suffered a historic low on Tuesday, losing 2-1 to Afghanistan in Guwahati. This marked the team’s third consecutive defeat in three decades, a dismal record that includes losses to Pakistan in 2005 and Guam in 2015.

Despite the presence of star striker Sunil Chhetri, India’s performance was lackluster. The team lacked creativity and struggled to create scoring opportunities. Afghanistan, ranked 41 places below India in FIFA rankings, capitalized on India’s defensive lapses to secure a smash-and-grab victory.

India’s poor form has raised questions about the effectiveness of head coach Igor Stimac. While Stimac has led the team to some notable victories, including an away win against Kuwait last November, his tactics and player selection have come under scrutiny.

Some critics believe that Stimac has not been able to get the most out of his squad. Several key players, including goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and defender Anwar Ali, have experienced a dip in form. Additionally, there are concerns about the team’s fitness and energy levels.

One potential solution to India’s struggles could be to allow Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holders to represent the national team. This would provide India with access to a wider pool of talented players. However, such a move would require a change in government policy, as India currently does not permit OCI card holders to play for the national team.

Despite the recent setbacks, Stimac remains optimistic about India’s chances of qualifying for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He believes that the team can improve its performance with proper preparation and support.

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AIFF Technical Committee Unhappy with Stimac After Afghanistan Loss

AIFF Technical Committee Unhappy with Stimac After Afghanistan Loss

By March 29, 2024 0

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.

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