The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has responded to the remarks made by Igor Stimac following his dismissal as head coach of the Indian men’s team earlier this month. In a scathing attack, Stimac criticized the AIFF’s leadership, accusing them of neglecting Indian football and making false promises. The AIFF, in return, has refuted these claims, stating that Stimac’s statements were misleading and an attempt to tarnish the federation’s reputation.
The AIFF denied Stimac’s allegations of being denied access to officials, stating that he had multiple interactions with President Kalyan Chaubey during his tenure. They clarified that Stimac was given full support but chose to deflect blame onto others for the team’s performance.
Furthermore, the federation addressed Stimac’s complaint about the unavailability of GPS equipment, stating that the devices were lost in transit for 50 days, contrary to Stimac’s claim of over 200 days. They also admitted that certain termination clauses favorable to the AIFF were not included in Stimac’s contract renewal, leading to discrepancies.
Stimac’s selection of support staff was also highlighted, with AIFF noting that while his requests were approved, they caused unrest among players. The federation emphasized that his coaching style and tactics were questioned by various players, leading to concerns being raised to the AIFF.
In a detailed response, the AIFF recounted specific incidents where Stimac allegedly misrepresented facts, including statements made at the AFC National Coaches Conference and incidents surrounding the loss and recovery of GPS equipment. The federation expressed shock at Stimac’s conduct and attitude towards the AIFF and Indian football.
Despite Stimac’s scathing attack and legal threats, the AIFF maintained that his contract was terminated for just cause and in the national interest. The federation highlighted the need to safeguard Indian football and ensure a smooth transition to a new coaching staff. With the termination of Stimac’s contract, the AIFF aims to focus on revitalizing Indian football and moving forward with a fresh perspective.
