Focus on long-term growth as AIFF extends Igor Stimac’s contract by two years

On the back of three tournament triumphs and some stellar performances, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has extended head coach Igor Stimac’s contract by two years, until 2026, with a possibility of giving him a further two years if India make it to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

India have lost just one match in regulation time in 2023 and climbed into the top 100 of world football. AIFF secretary Shaji Prabhakaran said that with the focus on long-term growth, it was a no-brainer to extend Stimac’s contract.

“Over the last 12 months, we have seen many positive results with the men’s national team, as well as with the development teams. After discussions with the Executive Committee (of AIFF), we decided that to ensure long-term growth and consistent development, we must tie down the staff to long-term contracts,” said Prabhakaran, adding that assistant coach Mahesh Gawli was also handed an extension and the additional responsibility of coaching the U-23 team.

While Stimac exceeded performance expectations, certain off-field matters he was involved in became a bone of contention.

A recent investigation by The Indian Express revealed that Stimac had given players’ details to an astrologer and picked the team for a crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Afghanistan last year on his advice.

Barely a month ago, the AIFF issued him a show-cause notice following an interview with The Indian Express, in which Stimac said, among other things, that he “didn’t come to India to lick a**es, and wasn’t afraid of telling the truth”.

Stimac made the comments on the Indian Super League (ISL) franchises, who played hardball in releasing players to the national team for important assignments, including the Asian