Ex-AIFF CoA member and Delhi FC owner, Ranjit Bajaj has EXCLUSIVELY claimed to InsideSport.IN, that Indian Football Team head coach Igor Stimac is being framed for the astrologer debacle. Earlier in the morning disheartening reports came out of Igor Stimac deciding matchday team on the basis of astrolger’s choice. Bajaj who had earlier led the investigation has claimed that no proof was received against the Croatian.
“Igor Stimac is being framed for things he is not a part of. He is being made a scapegoat for problems that run deeper. ” Ranjit Bajaj exclusively said speaking to InsideSport.IN.
Indian Football bodies have been in a loggerhead with the head coach Igor Stimac since his claims that ‘ he is not here to lick a**e*‘. The blasting interview came after ISL clubs refused to release the players for the upcoming Asian Games 2023. He was also handed a show-cause notice by AIFF following the interview. In a dramatic turn of events, a bizarre report came out putting Stimac in dire straits.
Stimac reportedly sought astrologer advice on team selection ahead of four crucial matches, including Asian Cup qualifiers. According to the Indian Express story, Stimac was recommended to the astrologer. After being persuaded by others to analyse the potential impact on sports, he consented to contact an astrologer.
Kushal Das, the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) secretary-general at the time, revealed that he brought Stimac to the astrologer Bhupesh Sharma. Das stressed the significance of India’s qualification for the Asian Cup during a difficult time. According to reports, the AIFF paid astrologer Sharma between Rs 12 and 15 lakh for two months of services. According to Das, the sum was justified by India’s successful qualification for the Asian Cup.
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However, the then member of AIFF CoA Ranjit Bajaj refutes the reports and the involvement of Stimac in the entire saga. He insists that the then AIFF top brass, namely ex-Secretary General Kushal Das was involved in it. Bajaj also claims that Igor Stimac is being thrown under the bus for coming out and speaking about the real issues in Indian Football.
“How do I know this? I was the one who initiated the investigation, which was later concluded by the judiciary. We have a minute-by-minute report of the entire investigation revealing Kushal Das at the helm of this. Had coach Igor Stimac been really involved, his name would have come up. ” Ranjit Bajaj stated.
“Doesn’t the timing of this revelation seem odd to you? A case that was resolved over a year back is being brought up just to frame the coach [ Stimac]. India will lose a coach who actually intends to do something. While the people involved in the entire conspiracy have ruined the reputation of the coach who lead a team like Croatia to the World Cup.” an avid Indian Football well-wisher, Ranjit Bajaj concluded.
The major finding comes at a time when the Indian football squad is climbing into the top 100 teams in the globe. Stimac is still embroiled in a battle with the Indian Football chiefs. However, the coach has yet to respond to the allegation levelled against him.
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