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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a shocking press conference, former head coach of the Indian football team, Igor Stimac, revealed that the immense stress of managing the team forced him to undergo urgent heart surgery. During the conference, Stimac leveled serious allegations against the All India Football Federation (AIFF), accusing the body of prioritizing their private interests over the sport's progress.

Stimac's revelations have sent shockwaves through the Indian football community. He asserted that the AIFF failed to recognize the significance of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, placing more emphasis on the Asian Cup instead. The Croatian coach shared that his efforts to highlight the importance of the World Cup qualifiers led to a severe backlash from the federation.

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"After I told them that the World Cup Qualifiers were more important than the Asian Cup, I received a final warning from AIFF. When I received the final warning on December 2, no one knew this, but I ended up in the hospital. I was disturbed by everything going on; stressed from the obvious problems. I had immediate heart surgery. I wasn't ready to speak to anyone or find excuses. I was ready to put myself on the line to prepare my team for the Asian Cup to give the best shot," said Stimac during the press conference on Friday, June 21.

Stimac also hinted at the toxic environment within the AIFF, citing the lack of support and pervasive dishonesty as reasons for his departure. "Not surprised about parting ways. Most of my senior players knew I had decided to leave even after we had qualified for the third round. It was impossible for me to go on without proper support, full of lies and people who had only private interests," he added.

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The Croatian coach had previously hinted at disclosing critical issues within Indian football. In a recent Twitter post, he thanked Indian football fans and the team management for their support during his challenging five-year tenure. Following a crucial virtual meeting on June 17, AIFF officials decided to end Stimac's association with the Indian team, citing a series of underwhelming performances as the primary reason.

This bombshell revelation from Igor Stimac not only highlights the intense pressures faced by football coaches but also raises serious questions about the internal workings and priorities of the AIFF. The fallout from this press conference is likely to prompt further scrutiny and debate within the Indian football community.