Indian Football Team : AIFF parts ways with Igor Stimac following disappointing world cup qualifiers
Xtra Time Web Desk : The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Monday that Igor Stimac has been sacked as the head coach of the Indian men’s football team following a disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers campaign.
In an official statement, the AIFF explained, “Noting the disappointing outcome of the Senior Men’s National Team’s FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign, the members unanimously agreed that a new Head Coach would be best placed to take the team forward.” The statement further confirmed that “a notice of termination has been issued to Mr. Stimac by the AIFF Secretariat, and he stands relieved of his obligations with immediate effect.”
Stimac, a former Croatian international who won a bronze medal as a player in the FIFA World Cup 1998, took charge of the Blue Tigers on May 15, 2019, following the departure of Stephen Constantine. Under his leadership, India secured four major honours: two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and a Tri-Nations Series. Notably, Stimac became the first India coach to win three trophies in a single year, clinching the SAFF Championship, Tri-Nations Series, and Intercontinental Cup last year.
Despite these achievements, India's performance in the AFC Asian Cup this year was lackluster, with defeats to Australia, Syria, and Uzbekistan marking a low point in his tenure.
The AIFF's decision to seek new leadership reflects their commitment to revitalizing the team and striving for better results in future international competitions.
