FOOTBALL INDIA COACH
India's former football team Coach Igor Stimac took help of astrologer to pick players, alleges AIFF
India's football federation has sacked coach Igor Stimac after World Cup qualifying failure, citing his alleged use of an astrologer in player selections. Stimac, who led India since 2019, faced criticism from the federation for his final remarks, which they deemed damaging. Despite briefly entering FIFA's top 100 during his tenure, controversies, including claims of astrological influence in team decisions, marred his leadership.
The sooner Kalyan Chaubey leaves, the better it is for Indian football: Igor Stimac
Stimac was on Monday sacked as head coach following the team's failure to reach the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. A day later, the Croat threatened to file a lawsuit against the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the FIFA Tribunal if his outstanding dues were not cleared in 10 days.
AIFF to respond to ousted coach Stimac's remarks in next 48 hours
The All India Football Federation said on Friday that it will respond to ousted national coach Igor Stimac's scathing attack against some of its senior functionaries in the next 48 hours, after the Croatian blamed AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey for the problems besetting the game in the country. Stimac was on Monday sacked as head coach following the team's failure to reach the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. A day later, he also threatened to file a lawsuit against the AIFF in the FIFA Tribunal if his outstanding dues were not cleared in 10 days.
All you need to know about Copa America 2024
Defending champions Argentina will take on debutants Canada in the opening match at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The Group A encounter kicks off at 5:30 AM IST on June 21. All Copa America 2024 matches will be live-streamed in India.
FC Barcelona shuts down its football academies in India
World-renowned football club FC Barcelona has decided to shut down all its academies in India, 14 years after starting operations with an aim to train the country's kids in their famed 'La Masia (youth academy)' style. FC Barcelona did not provide any official reason for the closure. All its academies in the Indian cities of Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune will cease to exist from July 1.
Clear payment within 10 days or I will file lawsuit against you: Stimac warns AIFF
Stimac was on Monday removed as the head coach of the team, the AIFF terminating his contract exactly a year before it was to expire in the wake of the side's ouster from the World Cup Qualifiers despite getting a relatively easy draw.
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Stimac sacked, AIFF says new head coach would be best placed to take team forward
AIFF sacked Igor Stimac as the head coach of India's senior men's team after a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign. Stimac, appointed in 2019, won multiple trophies during his tenure with the Blue Tigers.
Distinguished football coach TK Chathunni dies
Having featured in six international matches for India, Chathunni also played for clubs like EME Centre (Secundrabad), Vasco Club (Goa) and Orkay Mills (Mumbai), besides also featuring for Services in the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy.
World unites to say goodbye to Sunil Chhetri
Chhetri, who retired as international football's fourth highest goal-scorer with 94 goals from 151 matches, received accolades from various sports bodies and personalities. Tendulkar congratulated Chhetri on his outstanding career, highlighting his perseverance and leadership qualities. Premier League India and former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha also lauded Chhetri for his achievements and called for more role models like him in Indian sports. In a special message, Croatia captain Modric hailed Chhetri as a "legend of the game" and wished him well in his final match for the national team.
It's not about me and my last match: Sunil Chhetri on eve of international retirement
A win on Thursday will almost guarantee the Indian team a maiden appearance in the third round of the FIFA World Cup, the finals of which are scheduled to be held in USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026. Chhetri last month announced that the second leg match against Kuwait would be his last in international football, having enjoyed a glorious career spanning 19 years.
'Maidaan' OTT release: Ajay Devgn starrer sports biopic now streaming online. Where and when to watch?
Ajay Devgn's biographical sports drama, 'Maidaan,' is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film, released in theaters in April, tells the story of Syed Abdul Rahim, the legendary Indian football coach who led the national team to success in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite its underperformance at the box office, the film has been praised for its compelling narrative, historical accuracy, and strong performances by Ajay Devgn and the cast, including Priyamani and Gajraj Rao.
Decision to retire driven by instinct: Sunil Chhetri
Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement from international football after the World Cup qualifier against Kuwait, citing a need for a mental break. Chhetri, India's top goal-scorer, plans to take a sabbatical after fulfilling domestic obligations. He hinted at a possible coaching role post-sabbatical. Chhetri consulted with coach Stimac and cricketer Virat Kohli on his decision.
Indian football’s ‘Captain Fantastic’ Sunil Chhetri will retire after the Kuwait tie on June 6
It was just moments after Sunil Chhetri, India’s greatest ever player, had made public his retirement plans -- the FIFA football World Cup qualification game against Kuwait on June 6 in Kolkata. That’s when we got head coach Igor Stimac on the call. “Sunil had mentioned this to me two months earlier.
Indian Football's quest for the next striker: Who will step up after Sunil Chhetri?
Indian football faces a crucial question: who will fill the striker position after Sunil Chhetri? With the seasoned player retiring, the search is on for a new goal-scoring hero. Mumbai City FC's Lallianzuala Chhangte and Vikram Partap Singh are among the contenders, showing promise with their performances. As Indian football prepares for a new era, fans eagerly await the next star to lead the frontline.
Sunil Chhetri, Indian football legend and captain, to retire on June 6
Sunil Chhetri Retirement: Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri announced his retirement after the World Cup qualifying match against Kuwait on June 6. India is currently second in Group A of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers with four points, while Kuwait is ranked fourth. Chhetri has the third-highest total of goals scored for his country with 94 goals, behind only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He made the announcement through a video shared on social media, stating that the match against Kuwait is the last.
India vs Kuwait Kolkata football match: How to get tickets for Sunil Chhetri's retirement match
Sunil Chhetri, India's revered football icon, announced his retirement from international football via social media. Debuting in 2005, he will retire after the India vs Kuwait FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 6 in Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. With 94 international goals, Chhetri's legacy extends through six AIFF Player of the Year awards. The match holds significance as India vies for World Cup qualification.
Cricket in India: How IPL stole the Maidaan
When the Tendulkar era began, superheroes appeared on the cricket field. Their legend was improved by advertising, particularly the Cola Wars, and our collective imagination was captivated. Regular wins fueled our nation's ever-growing self-assurance, and assertive wealth made us easily accessible while training. Indian teams were no longer manned by city graduates and middle-class engineers.
1962, Syed Abdul Rahim and Indian football's greatest triumph largely forgotten
India's triumph in the 1962 Asian Games football final, led by Rahim, showcased strategic prowess despite political tensions. The victory marked a turning point in Indian football history, overshadowed by a diplomatic crisis but revived through the 'Maidaan' biopic.
Irish football icon & Wimbledon coach Joe Kinnear passes away at 77
Kinnear accumulated 26 caps representing the Republic of Ireland over the course of his career. Commencing his football journey with Tottenham as a teenager in 1963, he marked his debut in 1966. His achievements encompass winning the FA Cup in 1967, clinching the UEFA Cup in 1972, and securing League Cup victories in both 1971 and 1973.
Indian football team drops four places to 121
Indian men's football team dropped to 121 in FIFA rankings after defeats by Afghanistan and poor performances, facing calls for coach Stimac's removal. The team's struggles continued with losses in major tournaments.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Igor Stimac says he will resign if India fail to reach third round
India can still advance to the third round but the task has got a lot tougher following last week's stalemate in the away leg against Afghanistan, from which they gained only a point. The Blue Tigers currently stand second in the group with four points from three games, one ahead of Kuwait, who are on three points from as many matches. India have never reached the third of the Qualifiers.
Why next three months are crucial for Indian football
The next three months will be crucial for Indian football. India are scheduled to face Afghanistan (twice), Kuwait and Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers. The top two teams from the group will qualify for the third qualifying round. If India could make it for the first time in history, the Blue Tigers will have the opportunity of playing five of Asia’s best teams twice within a one-year time frame. Ten games against quality teams could completely redefine the growth curve of Indian football.
AIFF sacks its secy-gen for 2nd time, this one by Ex-Co; Bhutia demands AIFF president's resignation
Former national captain Bhaichung Bhutia demands resignation of AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, holds him responsible for current mess in game administration. Shaji Prabhakaran dismissed as secretary general for second time by AIFF's Executive Committee. Delhi High Court orders interim stay on Prabhakaran's sacking, points out breach of AIFF's constitution. Bhutia demands resignation of Chaubey and treasurer Kipa Ajay, says all three equally responsible for decisions without approval. Bhutia proposes live streaming of AIFF meetings for transparency, criticizes top brass for team's poor performance in Asian Games and Asian Cup due to inadequate training time.
India look for win against Syria to keep alive faint hopes of reaching Asian Cup knockouts
Syria are currently ranked at 91st in the FIFA chart, 11 places above India (102nd) but a victory is not impossible for the Igor Stimac-coached side as they had won in the past -- in 2007, 2009 and 2012 Nehru Cup tournaments.
AFC Asian Cup 2023: Resilient India go down 0-2 to Australia in opener
India's head coach Igor Stimac implemented three changes to his side following their 0-3 defeat to Qatar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in November. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh, and Deepak Tangri were handed starts, with Mohun Bagan Super Giant midfielder Tangri making his debut.
Soccer: India ready to weather storm as Australia 'reach for the stars' at Asian Cup
Australia come into the Asian Cup as one of the pre-tournament favourites having won the competition in 2015 and coach Graham Arnold said on Friday that their goal is to lift the trophy once again in Qatar, where they have fond memories. They reached the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they gave eventual champions Argentina a run for their money in the last-16. Arnold, who has been at the helm since 2018, said he had reinforced the message that the trophy was the ultimate goal.
AFC Asian Cup is the most important tournament for India: Sunil Chhetri
Except the five teams from Asia that go on to play the World Cup, every other Asian team looks at the Asian Cup as the World Cup. It is the most important tournament for teams like us. When you get to rub shoulders with a team like Australia or play a team like Uzbekistan, only then can you understand where you stand in the pecking order. To judge ourselves, how much we have improved as a team, the Asian Cup is massively important, says Sunil Chhetri.
Legendary coach Wenger to visit India in October to finalise setting-up of central football academy for U-13
Legendary coach Arsene Wenger, who is currently FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, is set to visit India in the second week of October to finalise the setting-up of a central academy in the country, All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey said on Saturday. The academy for the U-13 boys and girls will be a joint collaboration of the FIFA and the AIFF.
India’s football coach seeks PM Modi's intervention for football team's participation at Asian Games
India head coach Igor Stimac on Monday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention for the national football team's participation at the upcoming Asian Games despite not meeting the selection criteria. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had planned that Stimac would take an Under-23 side to the Asian Games in Hangzhou event, starting from September 23.
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