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Xtra Time Web Desk: In a shocking turn of events, Igor Stimac, the former head coach of the Indian Football Team, has openly criticized the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for their alleged incompetence and lack of support during his five-year tenure. Stimac, who was appointed in March 2019 after Stephen Constantine's departure, was sacked following India's failure to qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The dismissal came shortly after India's contentious defeat to Qatar in the second round of the qualifiers. The AIFF announced the decision to part ways with Stimac, citing the need for new leadership. However, in a private media interaction, Stimac painted a starkly different picture, accusing the AIFF of being driven by vested interests and failing to provide the necessary backing for the national team's progress.

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"I have never been sacked in my life": Igor Stimac

"It was impossible for me to continue without ample support. I was fed with lies and surrounded by people with private interests," Stimac stated. He further elaborated on the challenges he faced, expressing frustration over the lack of professional support from the federation.

"I came with an open heart to Indian football. But your football is imprisoned. It will take a couple of decades for things to improve, which I don't see happening," he remarked during a virtual press conference. "In my career, I’ve not been sacked till now, this was the first time. And it was wrongly so - in my reply to AIFF I’ve done the same."

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Stimac's revelations have cast a shadow over the AIFF's management, highlighting significant issues within the organization. "The people in AIFF don’t know how to run a football house, they don’t know how to organize cups. These people only care about power," he said, underscoring the systemic problems that, according to him, hinder the growth of Indian football.

As the Indian Football Team searches for a new head coach, the allegations made by Stimac raise serious questions about the governance and future direction of the sport in India. Whether the AIFF can address these concerns and chart a new course remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the journey ahead will be challenging.