‘Fashionable to blame the entire system’: AIFF responds to Igor Stimac’s explosive statement after removal as coach

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) slammed Igor Stimac's explosive statement following his removal as India head coach, accusing the Croatian of attempting to “malign” the federation and “showing its personnel in poor light” and claiming he had their full support during his tenure.

Shortly after his removal as coach last Monday following the Blue Tigers' disappointing qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Stimac had described the AIFF as an organisation “full of lies” besides accusing president Kalyan Chaubey of breaching his contract multiple times.

The AIFF responded by stating that Stimac’s accusations have further justified their decision to terminate his contract that was set to run till 2026.

“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.

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“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 federation wrote in a release made public on Monday.

The AIFF also claimed they chose to overlook “various misdeeds and negative statements” by the coach so as to not hamper the Indian team’s preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.

“The AIFF also chose to ignore various misdeeds and negative statements of the coach over time, of which there are too many to traverse, only to ensure that India’s preparation for FIFA World Cup qualifiers were not hampered. The new AIFF leadership was shocked to note his dependence on an astrologer to determine player’s call ups, team selections and took immediate necessary action to end the same. His selection of support staff had also gone unquestioned and was the subject of disquiet among many players.

“Despite all the support, the coach always sought to deflect blame and according to him everything and everyone else was wrong and responsible for any given situation except himself. This sentiment was also shared by various players who had brought their concerns regarding Mr. Stimac’s coaching style and tactics to the attention of the AIFF on multiple occasions,” the AIFF further wrote in its release.

In a parting shot to the Indian federation after being relieved of his duties, Stimac said he had already made up his mind to leave the India job even if the Blue Tigers had advanced to the third round of the Qualifiers — which would have been a first in the team’s history.

“I came with an open heart but I have suffered so much. Your football is imprisoned. I accepted the challenge five years ago but nothing will happen in another two decades. I don’t see anything good happening soon,” said Stimac, adding that Chaubey’s departure from the AIFF would be the best thing for Indian football under the current circumstances.

The Delhi-based federation responded to that allegation as well, accusing Stimac of failing to take responsibility for the Blue Tigers’ lack of progress.

“It is ironic that someone who was the prime person controlling the fortunes of the national team considers that Indian football is imprisoned and has not grown. It is fashionable to blame the entire system on the way out, especially when you do not wish to take any personal responsibility,” the AIFF added.

Stimac had also made a sensational revelation of having to undergo a heart surgery due to work-related stress, and the AIFF felt it was irresponsible of him to blame the federation for his health emergency.

“The AIFF is also shocked to note from Mr. Stimac’s public statements that he underwent heart surgery during his engagement with the AIFF. He has irresponsibly blamed the AIFF for causing his heart ailment, attempting to deflect the serious matter of his not having been medically fit to render coaching services and his failure to formally disclose the same to the AIFF.”

The AIFF is yet to name a replacement for Stimac, who had succeeded Englishman Stephen Constantine as India manager in 2019. The Blue Tigers played 53 matches during Stimac’s reign, winning 19 and losing 20 besides drawing 14 games.