The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Monday sacked Igor Stimac as the pinnacle coach of the nation`s senior`s males`s group following a disappointing marketing campaign within the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Stimac, who was appointed as the pinnacle coach in 2019, was given an extension final yr by the game`s apex physique.
India couldn’t make the third spherical of the World Cup qualifier following a 1-2 defeat in opposition to Qatar of their ultimate second spherical match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
“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 stated in an announcement.
“A notice of termination has been issued to Mr. Stimac by the AIFF Secretariat, and he stands relieved of his obligations with immediate effect.”
After India`s defeat to Qatar, Stimac condemned what he referred to as an “irregular” aim. India had scored within the first half and have been on target for a footballing landmark till Youssef Ayman equalised within the 73rd minute.
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The aim was vastly controversial, with some tv replays showing to point out that the ball had gone out of play simply beforehand. India`s gamers, a few of whom had stopped within the perception the ball had gone out, vehemently protested. But with VAR know-how not in use, the aim stood. Asian champions Qatar, who had already certified for the subsequent spherical, scored the winner 5 minutes earlier than the tip to seal India`s destiny.
The 56-year-old Stimac, who was a part of the Croatia group that made the semifinals of the 1998 World Cup, had taken cost of the Blue Tigers in 2019, after the departure of Stephen Constantine.
Under Stimac, India received 4 main trophies, together with two SAFF Championships, one Intercontinental Cup and a Tri-Nations Series.
(With company inputs)
Source: www.mid-day.com
