Football
AIFF calls for independent review of Igor Stimac’s contract renewal procedures
Stimac was dismissed from his role in June, following the team’s exit from the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has initiated a call for an independent inquiry into the procedures surrounding the renewal of Igor Stimac’s contract, following a settlement agreement of USD 400,000 for his termination.
This decision came during the AIFF's Annual General Body meeting held on Tuesday.
The discussion at the meeting centered on the renewal, termination, and subsequent settlement related to Stimac’s contract.
"The members called for an independent inquiry into the internal procedures that had been followed and the personnel that were involved when the head coach's contract had been renewed in 2023 on unapproved and unfavorable terms," the AIFF said.
Stimac had initially sought USD 920,000 in claims before the FIFA Football Tribunal but eventually agreed to a full and final settlement with the AIFF.
The federation pointed out that the 2023 renewal of Stimac’s contract left it 'in a compromised negotiating position', resulting in significant financial implications for the federation.
Stimac was dismissed from his role in June, a year before his contract expired, following the team’s exit from the second round of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
This dismissal led to a contentious exchange between Stimac and the AIFF, with the Croatian coach threatening legal action if his dues were not settled promptly.
However, both parties have now reached an agreement.
Reports earlier this year indicated that Stimac’s initial contract included a severance clause requiring a three-month notice period.
However, the renewed contract signed in October 2023 lacked this clause, complicating the termination process for the AIFF.
Former AIFF Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran claimed that the renewal, which did not include the severance clause, was approved by President Kalyan Chaubey.
Chaubey, however, denied being aware of the contract details, stating he was abroad (in China for the Asian Games) during its signing.
In addition to the contract issue, the AIFF members "expressed their apprehension as to how a former employee, who no longer holds any positions in Indian football, continues to represent AIFF in various committees of the South Asian Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation".
The AIFF Executive Committee has been asked to address these concerns and request action to prevent such occurrences.
On a positive note, the AIFF announced that the Indian national team is set to gain a permanent location for high-altitude training camps.
The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association has proposed using the new stadium in Tawang, located at 10,000 feet above sea level, as a venue for these camps.
The AIFF members welcomed this proposal, believing it would benefit the team’s acclimatization for international competitions.
"Members felt that Tawang, situated at 10,000 feet from sea level, will be an ideal location for high-altitude camps in the future to acclimatize squad according to the international competitions," AIFF said.
Furthermore, the AIFF’s Executive Committee discussed the possibility of including the India U-20 men’s national team in the I-League.
"The proposal is mooted with an idea to have India U20 play in I-League to ensure gaining competitive gametime and to maintain match fitness throughout the year, as I-League endures long season. The India U20 national team will get amnesty from promotion-relegation," AIFF concluded.