Explained: Igor Stimac's astrologer controversy and AIFF vs ISL clubs tussle over Asian Games squad

After the high of the SAFF Championship win in July 2023, Indian football has experienced quite a low in recent days. First, they lost both matches in Kings' Cup 2023, and now there’s reports that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) paid money to an astrologer with details that have dragged head coach Igor Stimac into the controversy as well. To add insult to injury, the Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have decided to not send their players to the Asian Games. So much has happened in Indian football, mostly setbacks, that it’s impossible to keep track of everything. Here we spell out the major controversies, and the reactions and explain why AIFF and ISL are at loggerheads over the Asian Games. Stimac’s astrologer controversy In June last year, news agency _PTI_ had reported that AIFF paid Rs 16 lakh to an astrologer agency for its services which included “motivating” the national team during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The PTI report however did not make any mention of Stimac. But a report on Tuesday in the Indian Express claimed that Stimac was put in contact with the astrologer Bhupesh Sharma by then AIFF general secretary Kushal Das as the federation was “worried” about India’s qualification. The federation also paid Rs 12-15 lakh for his services as India defeated Cambodia, Afghanistan and Hong Kong to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup finals. What help did Sharma provide to Stimac? According to the report, Stimac shared details of the players with the astrologer who made recommendations that helped the Croat decide the starting XI for a match. On 9 June, before the must-win game against Afghanistan, Stimac sent a list of probable 11 to the astrologer who then replied with remarks against each name. The remarks as per the news report included comments like “Good”; “can do very well. Needs to avoid overconfidence”; “a below average day”; “a very good day for him but might get over aggressive”; “not recommended for the day”. Eventually, Stimac dropped two established names from the team as per the astrologer’s recommendations. This is just one example out of 100 messages between Stimac and Sharma between May-June when India played four matches, three in Asian Cup qualifiers and a friendly against Jordan. Stimac shared information like probable 11, injury updates, and substitution strategies with Sharma for every game before finalising the team. How has Stimac reacted? The 1998 World Cup bronze medallist who has been India’s coach since 2019 broke his silence on Tuesday evening. While the former World Cupper did not comment specifically on the astrologer controversy, he did indicate that more revelations are to follow before adding that he remains committed to making India a “football nation”. “Target or honest fighter for the betterment of Indian football? The time is coming to put all cards on the table and see how much and who really cares about football in this country. Give it a thought before making up your judgment and thanks once again for your support,” Stimac wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “My dream of making India a football nation is still alive,” he added. The AIFF has not reacted so far to the controversy. [caption id=“attachment_12811792” align=“alignnone” width=“300”] It remains to be seen what Igor Stimac has to say about taking help from an astrologer. AIFF image[/caption] AIFF vs ISL clubs over Asian Games squad Another controversy engulfing Indian football is that of the clash between the national federation and the ISL clubs over players to be released for the Asian Games. India’s Asian Games campaign begins on 19 September while the ISL 2023-24 season begins on 21 September and in such a situation, clubs have refused to release their top players for the Asian Games. India’s squad for the Asian Games includes a host of top-choice players and even if men’s football at Asian Games is an U-23 affair, three players beyond the age cap could be included. India have picked Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan as the senior players. However, their participation is in doubt now. The Asian Games falls outside the FIFA window in which clubs are mandated to release players for national duty. As there are no obligations, the clubs do not want to release the players. But the tussle between AIFF and ISL clubs runs deeper. When the Indian football calendar for the current season was drawn, Asian Games didn’t feature in it. As per the Sports Ministry, the Indian football team, which was not among the top-eight sides in Asia, was not eligible for the Asian Games. However, India’s blazing run of form changed the situation and perception of the side. AIFF urged the Sports Ministry and got the approval for the Asian Games. But, with the ISL scheduled for a 21 September start, the Asian Games are set to clash with the domestic league. The AIFF also went on to announce a squad with the top players for the Asian Games but didn’t get the necessary permissions from the ISL clubs. Things got worse when players were not released by Indian team management immediately after the King’s Cup ended in Thailand on 10 September. As per reports, players were not given return tickets while it was also reported that their passports were collected by management so that they could not return immediately. After a heated impasse, players left for India on 12 September. What next? The AIFF is now expected to send a team of young players most of whom participated in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers recently. Clifford Miranda, who was India U-23 coach during the qualifiers, could also be India’s coach during the Asian games instead of Stimac. It has however also been reported that AIFF will make another attempt to persuade ISL teams to release two players from each team.