In a move that has sent ripples through the Indian football community, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced the termination of Igor Stimac as the head coach of the Indian football team. The decision comes in the wake of India’s disappointing campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, where the team failed to advance beyond the second round, finishing behind Qatar and Kuwait in their group.
Stimac, who took over the reins of the team in May 2019, has had a rollercoaster tenure marked by moments of promise overshadowed by inconsistent performances. Under his guidance, the team saw a fluctuation in the FIFA rankings, peaking at 99 in 2023 before plummeting to 121 following the recent qualifiers.
The Croatian’s contract termination was confirmed on Monday evening, following a virtual meeting of senior AIFF officials. The federation expressed its gratitude for Stimac’s efforts but emphasized the need for a change in leadership to steer the team towards a more successful trajectory.
During his five-year stint, Igor Stimac’s record with the team stood at 19 wins, 20 losses, and 14 draws. The team scored 71 goals and conceded 76, culminating in a win record of 35.8%. Despite securing four major titles, including two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series, Stimac’s inability to propel the team to the third round of the World Cup qualifiers was seen as the final straw.
The AIFF’s statement highlighted the federation’s disappointment with the outcome of the World Cup qualification campaign and the consensus that a new head coach would be better positioned to take the team forward. The federation thanked Igor Stimac for his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Igor Stimac’s departure marks the end of an era and opens a new chapter for Indian football. The search for a new head coach begins, with the AIFF looking to appoint a successor who can build on the foundations laid and lead the team to greater heights in international football.
As the Indian football team faces this transition, the focus shifts to the upcoming challenges and the potential candidates who can fill the void left by Stimac’s exit. The AIFF’s decision underscores their commitment to the team’s progress and the high expectations set for the national squad’s performance on the global stage.
The football fraternity will be keenly watching the developments, as the new head coach will have the task of revitalizing the team and instilling a winning mentality that aligns with the aspirations of the nation’s passionate fans.
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