Internet Desk: Indian national football team coach Stephen Constantine is likely to get his contract renewed. Constantine, whose contract expires in February, is likely to get an extension. The technical task force of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) met together in Mumbai to decide on the future of Constantine. The meeting was headed by AIFF secretary general Kushal Das. Other members who attended the meeting were technical committee chairman Bhaichung Bhutia, AIFF academy instructor Scott O’Donell, Kerala Football Association’s (KFA) secretary Anil Kumar, Western Indian Football Association’s (WIFA) CEO Henry Menezes.
After a lot of discussion the committee decided to give the responsibility to Mr Kushal Das to decide the future course of action. The AIFF secretary after a discussion with Stephen will give his inputs to the technical committee to decide on the next coach.
According to Henry Menezes, “There was no decision yet. We did discuss a few names but could not come to a decision. The committee has entrusted all the responsibility to Kushal Das to further discuss with Stephen.”
It was the technical committee, led by former India captain Baichung Bhutia, that had appointed Constantine as the India coach in December 2014. The British coach was preferred over former Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood following his success with the Rwanda national team.
Stephen did not have the greatest of starts to his second stint as India coach. The national team had a dismal run in the first round of the Asian Cup qualifiers, losing to lower ranked teams and barely able to trouble the big guns.
But a string of success in recent times has changed the tides in favour of Stephen. The team had won eight out of their last 10 international ties. Constantine’s best success though was beating higher ranked Puetro Rico at home. He also successfully coached the side to the South Asian Football Federation’s (SAFF) Cup in 2016. Under him, the team secured a highest FIFA ranking of 137.
According to sources in the AIFF, “Bhaichung wanted Constantine to continue as coach. However there were a few other names proposed by the members. The final say lies with the President (Praful Patel) as he will decide on the future of next India coach.”
The source also added, “Stephen has expressed his willingness to work for an amount which is much more less than what Westwood demanded. Furthermore having worked with the boys, they all know him well. The most important factor in his favour is the team has played well in recent past and has achieved the best rankings.”
As it stands now the decision on India coach will only be made after AIFF secretary meet Constantine.