Days after ousted Indian Football Team head coach Igor Stimac’s explosive press conference, the All India Football Federation hits back with a response. AIFF had asked for 48 hours to counter the allegation made by the Croat.
AIFF responds to Igor Stimac’s accusations
In a long statement released on Monday, AIFF not only condemned Stimac for organising a press conference but also went on counter, well most of the allegations made by him,
‘We have noted the comments made by Mr. Igor Stimac, former Head Coach of the National Team, to the media last week. Mr. Stimac’s communication – apparently made with the sole intent of maligning the AIFF and showing its personnel in poor light – is not befitting of a professional who has served the organisation for over 5 years and was extended the full support of the AIFF during this period. This conduct has only reinforced the AIFF’s belief that the right decision was made, with just cause, to terminate his contract and move forward in the interests of Indian football.’ the statement from AIFF read.
‘We do not believe it is appropriate to enter into a debate, or indulge in a series of responses and counter-allegations with Mr. Stimac. However, it is important that there is an accurate public record of certain matters raised in Mr. Stimac’s communication. We, therefore, take this opportunity to clarify these’, it added.
You can read the complete statement here-
https://www.the-aiff.com/article/aiff-statement-32?rem_cache=1
What did Igor Stimac say
Stimac’s term, which began in March 2019 following Stephen Constantine’s resignation, ended with India’s defeat to Qatar in the last match of the second round of World Cup qualifiers. During his tenure as head coach, Stimac raised concerns about football administration and governance in India, citing a perceived lack of progress in the sport’s growth in comparison to its foreign equivalents.
Stimac accused the federation and its senior officials of failing to keep pledges and providing enough assistance throughout his term. He went so far as to say that the AIFF’s present leadership, led by Chaubey, is harmful to the growth and development of football in India. Stimac’s issues also include money concerns, as he has threatened to take legal action against the AIFF in the FIFA Tribunal if his outstanding dues are not settled within a stipulated timeframe.
