Ex-India coach Igor Stimac files complaint against AIFF: Here's why
Igor Stimac, the Indian football team head coach, has lodged a complaint against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) with FIFA. The Croatian national alleges that his contract was unjustly terminated by AIFF. He is now seeking compensation for the remainder of his contract period, which extends until June 2026. "It's all in the hands of my lawyer," Stimac told the Hindustan Times.
Contract tenure and termination
Stimac took charge of Team India in May 2019 and had his contract extended in October 2023. However, following the Blue Tigers's failure to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers Round 3, the AIFF decided to terminate his contract. This decision came after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Kuwait. Stimac has now submitted legal documents to FIFA, seeking compensation for this alleged breach of contract.
Compensation dispute and AIFF's response
While sacking Stimac, the AIFF had offered him a compensation package equivalent to three months of his salary. However, the former coach rejected this offer. Reports suggest that Stimac was set to receive a monthly salary of $30,000 until January 2025, after which it would have increased to approximately $40,000 or around ₹7.5 crore, including interest until June 2026.
Stimac joined Team India in 2019
Stimac's first assignment after joining Team India in 2019 was the King's Cup in Thailand where India lost to Curacao but defeated Thailand to clinch the bronze medal. The Blue Tigers qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in consecutive editions.
Stimac was sacked in June
India's disappointing AFC Asian Cup campaign in Qatar contributed to Stimac losing his job. India then failed to reach the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They scored only two goals in four games from 2024. Stimac was sacked after India lost to Qatar's second string side at the World Cup qualifiers. India won 19 and lost 20 of 53 matches (Draws: 14) under Stimac.
AIFF appoints new coach amid controversy
In the wake of this controversy, the AIFF has swiftly appointed Manolo Marquez as the new head coach of Team India. Marquez is set to manage both FC Goa and the Men in Blue until next year. He will take over the full-time duties thereafter. This decision comes as the AIFF faces legal proceedings initiated by their former coach, Stimac.
