‘His conduct reinforces belief that terminating his contract was right decision’

NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has leveled serious allegations against former men’s team head coach Igor Stimac, claiming that he has been attempting to portray the Indian football community negatively on the international stage.

The federation asserted that Stimac’s five-year tenure was characterized by excuses and failures, which became synonymous with his time at the helm.

The AIFF vehemently denied Stimac’s accusations, stating that it had provided the coach with all the necessary resources and support he had requested to improve the team’s performance. The federation emphasized its unwavering commitment to the betterment of Indian football and its players.

In a detailed statement, the AIFF expressed its belief that Stimac’s recent press conference, held just four days after his dismissal, was solely intended to tarnish the reputation of the federation. The AIFF reiterated its dedication to transparency and fairness in all its dealings with coaches and players alike.

“This conduct (by Stimac) has only reinforced the AIFF’s belief that the right decision was made, with just cause, to terminate his contract and move forward in the interests of Indian football,” the AIFF said in the statement, as quoted by PTI.

Stimac launched a scathing criticism of AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, asserting that his departure from the position would be beneficial for the prospects of football in India. The Croatian coach expressed his belief that the beloved sport is stagnating in the nation.

In response to Stimac’s allegations, the AIFF issued a statement refuting his claims.

“Mr. Stimac was given full autonomy to function, including selections of venues, support staff, choice of travel days as per his communication with the team manager.

“His specific requests, especially for various support staff of his choice, were always supported by the AIFF in the interests of the national team.

“The AIFF negotiated with clubs and FSDL (AIFF’s commercial partner), to have players released, to give the coach maximum days for preparation, often beyond the FIFA window,” the federation said in its defence.

Stimac was dismissed from his position after the team’s inability to progress to the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. In the wake of his dismissal, Stimac made grave accusations against his former employers.

The Croatian coach asserted that Indian football finds itself in a state of captivity, using the term “imprisoned” to describe the current situation.

“Except the request for a charter flight to Abha, Saudi Arabia, for which he was informed in a timely manner of the logistical challenges of providing the same, every other demand of his was met,” the AIFF said.

The federation also addressed Stimac’s assertion regarding the team’s training conditions. According to Stimac, the players were compelled to practice for over 200 days without access to GPS vests. The federation provided a response to this claim made by the coach.

“Mr. Stimac is aware that the team’s GPS equipment was lost by the airline in transit during team’s travel in September 2023 from New Delhi to Hangzhou for the Asian Games.

“These are expensive gadgets and multiple attempts were made to recover the baggage without avail. When it became clear that recovery was unlikely, new devices were ordered and arrived in India in March 2024 after completion of essential procedural formalities.

“The vests were immediately made available to the team for the all-important leg of the FIFA World Cup qualifier.

“While it is true that the team did not have access to the GPS vests for approximately 50 days of training and match play, the coach’s statement that GPS equipment was not available for over 200 days is obviously misleading and an attempt to exaggerate the matter for effect.”

Stimac took charge of the Indian national team after Stephen Constantine’s exit in 2019.

During his most recent press conference, Stimac, aged 56, disclosed that he received a stern warning from the AIFF just before the Asian Cup. The reason behind this admonition was his attempt to persuade the federation about the significance of the World Cup Qualifiers.

In response, the AIFF stated that Stimac endeavored to portray Indian football negatively while attending the 3rd AFC National Coaches Conference in Malaysia as a representative of the federation. The event took place from May 7 to May 9.

“In his interaction with the AFC officials and the hosts, Mr. Stimac publicly stated that he had only four support staff as the coach of India’s Senior Men’s National Team.

“It is well known that Mr. Stimac always had a contingent of between 13 to 16 support staff for every camp and tournament. In fact, for the Asian Cup, he insisted on having an additional goalkeeper coach and a freekick specialist.

“The AIFF never objected to these additional demands. It is evident that Mr. Stimac intentionally misrepresented facts, to gain sympathy from other nation’s coaches and the AFC, at the reputational cost of India, the AIFF and Indian football.”

The AIFF revealed that when Igor Stimac’s contract was due for renewal in October 2023, the core committee, led by vice president NA Haris, convened beforehand. They suggested offering Stimac “a two-year contract with a monthly salary of USD 30,000 from January 2024” and directed the legal team to prepare the contract with an “AIFF-friendly termination clause.”

However, just a day after his dismissal, Stimac issued an ultimatum to the AIFF, threatening to take legal action in the FIFA Tribunal if his outstanding dues of USD 360,000 were not settled within 10 days.

A day after he got the boot, Stimac threatened to file a lawsuit against the AIFF in the FIFA Tribunal if his outstanding dues (USD 360,000) were not cleared within 10 days.

“The executed contract provides for a salary raise to USD 30,000 per month from February 2024-January 2025 (as approved by the Core Committee) and USD 40,000 per month from February 2024-January 2026 (without Core Committee approval for the said amount).

“The specific instructions regarding inserting termination clauses favourable to AIFF were also not followed before executing the contract. However, certain clauses for termination for cause were retained in the contract,” the AIFF said.

Stimac revealed that the pressure and challenges associated with his role had taken a toll on his well-being. He disclosed that he had to undergo a medical procedure to address a heart-related issue. The AIFF was taken aback by Stimac’s statement, expressing their surprise at his revelation.

“It is ironic that someone who was the prime person controlling the fortunes of the national team considers that Indian football is imprisoned and has not grown. It is fashionable to blame the entire system on the way out, especially when you do not wish to take any personal responsibility.”

Agencies

Agencies