Introduction
Former India football coach Igor Stimac has finally reached an agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) regarding his termination. Stimac, who was sacked in June, will receive $400,000 (about Rs 3.36 crore) after tax as compensation. This settlement ends a bitter dispute that began when the AIFF abruptly terminated his contract a year before its expiration. Stimac initially demanded a much larger sum, but both parties have now resolved the issue.
The Dispute: What Led to Stimac’s Sacking?
In June, All India Football Federation decided to part ways with Stimac after India’s disappointing performance in the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Despite a relatively easy draw, the national team failed to progress, leading to frustration within the AIFF. Stimac’s contract was set to expire in June 2025, but his early termination created tension. The AIFF moved quickly, but Stimac wasn’t going to leave without a fight.
Stimac’s Legal Threat
After the termination, Igor Stimac threatened legal action if the AIFF didn’t settle his dues within 10 days. Initially, AIFF offered him compensation equal to three months’ salary. However, Stimac rejected this offer, demanding a much larger sum of $920,000 (approximately Rs 7.72 crore). He even approached FIFA to claim his full salary for the remaining two years of his contract. This escalated the situation, creating tension between the former coach and the federation.
Reaching a Settlement: $400,000 Compensation
Finally, after negotiations, both parties agreed to a settlement of $400,000. According to sources, the AIFF approved the payment to resolve the dispute. This sum is quite significant for a football federation that has faced financial challenges in recent years. The AIFF’s budget has been strained, and settling with Stimac came at a cost that will likely affect its already limited resources. However, the settlement allows the federation to move forward without further legal complications.
Stimac’s Tenure as India Coach
Igor Stimac was appointed as the head coach of India’s men’s football team in 2019. He brought experience and tactical knowledge to the team, having coached Croatia in the past. However, his tenure was filled with ups and downs. In 2022, the AIFF extended his contract until 2026, with a condition that the team would need to reach the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup to secure the extension. Unfortunately, India’s performances in the 2011 and 2015 editions of the Asian Cup were disappointing, finishing last in the group stages both times.
Stimac’s term was marked by high expectations but underwhelming results. His failure to deliver in key tournaments contributed to his eventual sacking by the AIFF. Despite his coaching abilities, the results on the field were not enough to secure his long-term future with the Indian national team.
AIFF’s Financial Struggles
The All India Football Federation has been struggling financially, making the $400,000 compensation a heavy burden. The federation has been cutting costs, including reducing its budget for competitions. This financial situation only added pressure during the negotiations with Stimac. The initial offer of three months’ salary was an attempt by AIFF to minimize costs, but Stimac’s refusal led to prolonged negotiations and eventual agreement on a higher sum.
In the end, paying Stimac $400,000 was seen as the most viable solution to prevent further legal action and potential penalties from FIFA. Despite the hefty payout, settling the dispute allowed the AIFF to focus on its future plans and move forward without further distractions.
Manolo Marquez: The New Coach
Following Stimac’s departure, the AIFF appointed Spanish coach Manolo Marquez as the new head coach of the Indian men’s team. Marquez brings a wealth of experience, having coached several clubs in Spain and India. The federation is hopeful that under his guidance, the team will improve its performance in upcoming international tournaments.
The transition from Stimac to Marquez marks a new chapter for Indian football. The AIFF believes that Marquez can build on the foundation laid by Stimac and help the national team achieve greater success in the future. With major tournaments like the Asian Cup on the horizon, the pressure is on Marquez to deliver better results than his predecessor.
Conclusion
Igor Stimac’s departure from the Indian national football team was a contentious issue, but the settlement of $400,000 brings closure to the dispute. Stimac’s demand for a larger sum was initially rejected, but after months of negotiations, both sides have reached an agreement. The AIFF, facing financial challenges, had to stretch its resources to pay the compensation.
Now, with Manolo Marquez at the helm, Indian football looks ahead to the future, hoping to improve on past performances. Stimac’s exit may have been bitter, but the federation can now focus on rebuilding the national team and preparing for upcoming challenges. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
