India part ways with head coach Igor Stimac after five years

The All India Football Federation has sacked Igor Stimac after five years. The Croatian took charge back in 2019 but he was removed after India’s disappointing run in the World Cup qualifiers. The Blue Tigers recently suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 loss against Qatar after playing a goalless draw against Kuwait and thus their hopes of qualifying for the third round for the first time, also ended.

The decision was taken after senior officials of the All India Football Federation held a virtual meeting on 16th June 2024. The meeting was attended by technical committee head IM Vijayan, technical committee member Climax Lawrence, decorated internationals both, and it was decided to remove Stimac.

“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 AIFF said in a statement.

During his stint, Stimac won four titles with India including two SAFF Championship trophies, one Tri-Nation Series and one Intercontinental Cup. 

Meanwhile, Stimac had earlier said that he would resign as India’s chief coach if he fails to take the team to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Earlier, India also suffered a 2-1 loss against Afghanistan, which led to their downfall. 

India finished third in their group behind Qatar and Kuwait. 

Meanwhile, Stimac contract was till June 2026 and as per the reports, he will receive three months salary, which is expected to be $30,000 per month.