Tag: AIFF

Sports

Khalid Jamil Appointed Head Coach of Indian Men’s Football Team

Tanisha Cardozo

August 1, 2025 | New Delhi — The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has appointed Khalid Jamil as the head coach of the Indian men’s national football team, a historic move that ends a 13-year gap since an Indian last held the post.

Jamil, 48, becomes the first Indian head coach since Savio Medeira (2011–2012) and was selected by the AIFF Executive Committee from a strong three-man shortlist. The final candidates included former India coach Stephen Constantine and Slovakia’s ex-manager Stefan Tarkovic.

A Proven Track Record

Jamil rose to national prominence after leading Aizawl FC to an I-League title in 2017 — one of the greatest underdog stories in Indian sports. He is currently the head coach of Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he has earned praise for his tactical acumen and leadership.

The selection was based on recommendations by the AIFF Technical Committee headed by football legend IM Vijayan, who emphasized the importance of understanding Indian football’s cultural and developmental context.

What’s Next?

Jamil takes over from Spaniard Manolo Marquez, who parted ways with AIFF following India’s disappointing performances in recent international fixtures.

His first assignment as head coach will be the CAFA Nations Cup, to be held from August 29, 2025, across Tajikistan and Uzbekistan — a crucial platform for rebuilding team confidence and performance.

“It’s an honor to be given this responsibility. I believe in our players, our system, and what we can achieve together,” Jamil stated.

Football fans and stakeholders alike see this as a bold and hopeful step toward developing homegrown coaching talent and nurturing a distinct Indian football identity on the global stage.

Sports

AIFF Xavi Prank: 19-Year-Old Dupes Indian Football Body With Fake Application for Head Coach Job

Tanisha Cardozo

Xavi Never Applied: AIFF Duped by Fake Email From 19-Year-Old, Say Reports

In a stunning turn of events, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) finds itself at the center of a bizarre controversy involving Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.

Earlier this month, AIFF officials told the Times of India that Xavi had formally applied for the vacant head coach role of the Indian national team. The federation claimed the application was ultimately rejected due to financial constraints, citing his high salary expectations.

But now, explosive revelations from top European football journalists contradict AIFF’s claims entirely.

According to Fabrizio Romano, one of the most trusted names in global football journalism, “Zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and the Indian Federation.” Renowned Spanish journalist Ferran Correas echoed the sentiment, stating through Barca Times that people close to Xavi were “shocked” by the claims and insist he never applied. Correas even suggested the AIFF may have intentionally used Xavi’s name to boost the job’s visibility.

The story took a more scandalous turn when reports emerged that a 19-year-old had created a fake email address — xaviofficialfcb@gmail.com — and sent a bogus application to the AIFF. A video circulating on X (formerly Twitter) appears to show this email as part of the prank.

Despite these claims, AIFF’s National Team Director, Subrata Paul, was quoted by TOI saying, “Yes, Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.” However, the email’s authenticity was not verified independently by several outlets, including the Hindustan Times.

The incident comes amid AIFF’s ongoing search for a new national team head coach following the departure of Spaniard Manolo Marquez. Other applicants reportedly include Stephen Constantine, Harry Kewell, Steve Kean, Kibu Vicuna, and Khalid Jamil.

While the search continues, the federation faces serious questions over its credibility, due diligence, and internal vetting process. Whether this was an innocent mistake or an intentional media play, the embarrassment is undeniable — and the football world is watching.

Sports

ISL 2025–26 Season Put on Hold Amid Uncertainty Over Master Rights Agreement

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

New Delhi, July 2025 — The Indian Super League (ISL) has announced that its 2025–26 season is officially on hold due to ongoing uncertainty over the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

The MRA — a crucial document outlining broadcasting, commercial, and operational control of Indian football — is set to expire on December 8, 2025, right in the middle of the typical ISL season calendar. Without a renewed framework in place, organisers are unable to move forward with scheduling, marketing, or team preparations.

In a letter sent to all ISL clubs, FSDL stated:

“In the absence of a confirmed contractual framework beyond December, we find ourselves unable to effectively plan, organise, or commercialise the 2025–26 ISL season. We regret to inform you that we are currently not in a position to proceed and are placing it on hold until further clarity emerges.”

Stalemate in Negotiations

The situation is further complicated by a Supreme Court directive that prohibits the AIFF from entering into fresh negotiations with FSDL until a final verdict is delivered on the AIFF draft constitution case.

Meanwhile, sources close to the matter told ESPN that one of the revised MRA proposals being discussed involved a 60–26–14 ownership split between ISL clubs, FSDL, and AIFF respectively — potentially reshaping the league’s structure and governance.

What’s at Stake?

FSDL, the commercial partner of AIFF since 2010, currently pays ₹50 crore annually to manage and broadcast the ISL and other national football properties. The disruption of this agreement could ripple across the football ecosystem, affecting:

  • Club planning and signings
  • Broadcasting contracts
  • Fan engagement initiatives
  • National team visibility

FSDL has assured clubs it will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates.

A Pivotal Moment for Indian Football

This pause signals one of the most pivotal moments in Indian football’s recent history. The ISL, launched in 2014, has been central to raising the profile of the sport in the country. A prolonged delay could threaten this momentum unless clarity on the MRA is achieved soon.

As fans and stakeholders await a resolution, the spotlight turns to the courts and governing bodies to chart a path forward for India’s premier football league.