Introduction
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced an independent inquiry into the contract renewal process of former head coach Igor Stimac. This decision comes after the federation reached a compensation settlement with Stimac for terminating his contract early. The inquiry aims to investigate the internal procedures and personnel involved in renewing the coach’s contract in 2023, which resulted in financial losses for the AIFF.
The Dispute Over Stimac’s Contract Renewal
In June 2024, the AIFF terminated Igor Stimac’s contract, which was initially set to expire in June 2025. Stimac had been the head coach of the Indian national football team since 2019 and played a key role in shaping the team. However, the team’s failure to advance beyond the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers led to his dismissal. Despite this, the controversy surrounding his contract renewal, signed in October 2023, has continued to haunt the AIFF.
Stimac initially filed a claim for USD 920,000 before the FIFA Football Tribunal but eventually settled with the AIFF for USD 400,000. The AIFF admitted that the renewed contract left the federation in a weak negotiating position, causing significant financial detriment. The inquiry will focus on why the new contract lacked crucial clauses, such as a severance clause, which could have mitigated the losses incurred by the federation.
Missing Severance Clause Sparks Dispute
The absence of a severance clause in Stimac’s renewed contract played a central role in the financial dispute. The original contract, signed in 2019, included a three-month notice period. However, the 2023 contract, which did not have this provision, caused complications for the AIFF when they decided to sack Stimac. This missing clause made the termination process more difficult and financially burdensome for the federation.
Internal Conflict Within AIFF
As the inquiry moves forward, it’s also shedding light on internal conflicts within the AIFF. Former AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran accused AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey of approving the contract extension without proper review. However, Chaubey refuted these claims, stating that he was unaware of the contract’s signing as he was in China at the time for the Hangzhou Asian Games.
These conflicting statements have raised concerns about the federation’s internal communication and decision-making processes, further justifying the need for an independent inquiry. The federation’s goal is to prevent similar issues from arising in the future and to ensure transparency in handling contracts.
Stimac’s Departure and Aftermath
Igor Stimac’s departure was marked by a bitter public dispute between the coach and the AIFF. Following his termination, Stimac threatened legal action against the federation if they failed to settle his dues within 10 days. Although the two parties eventually reached a settlement, the controversy has left a lasting mark on the AIFF’s reputation.
The inquiry will also address concerns raised by members during the AIFF’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) regarding former employees’ continued representation of AIFF in various international football bodies. The federation has committed to addressing these concerns and taking appropriate action to resolve the issue.
Permanent High-Altitude Training Camp for Indian Team
Amidst the controversy surrounding Stimac’s contract, the AIFF has also made several important decisions for the future of Indian football. One significant development is the approval of a permanent high-altitude training camp for the Indian national team in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The newly constructed stadium in Tawang, situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet, will serve as an ideal location for players to acclimatize for international competitions.
This high-altitude training camp is expected to benefit the team’s performance in upcoming tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup 2026 and the 2026 Asian Games. The AIFF’s decision to establish a permanent training base is part of its long-term vision to improve the national team’s competitiveness on the global stage.
India U-20 Team to Play in I-League
In addition to the high-altitude training camp, the AIFF has also proposed integrating the India U-20 men’s national team into the I-League. This move is aimed at giving young players more competitive game time and maintaining their match fitness throughout the year. By participating in the I-League, the U-20 team will gain valuable experience and exposure, helping them prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
The AIFF’s focus on youth development is a positive step toward building a stronger national team. The decision to exempt the U-20 team from relegation and promotion in the I-League will provide them with a stable environment to grow and develop their skills.
Conclusion
The AIFF’s independent inquiry into Igor Stimac’s contract renewal process is a critical step toward ensuring transparency and accountability within the federation. The controversy surrounding the coach’s dismissal and the financial losses incurred highlight the need for better internal procedures. At the same time, the AIFF is making important strides toward the future of Indian football with plans for high-altitude training camps and the integration of the U-20 team into the I-League.
As the inquiry progresses, the AIFF’s leadership will need to address the shortcomings in their contract management and restore confidence in the federation’s decision-making process. Moving forward, these changes will help strengthen Indian football both domestically and internationally. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
