Tag: Indian Football

Sports

FC Goa Signs Spanish Striker Javier Siverio Ahead of ISL 2025–26 Season

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Panaji, July 29, 2025 – FC Goa have officially announced the signing of Spanish forward Javier Siverio, bolstering their attacking arsenal ahead of a high-stakes 2025–26 campaign that includes domestic and continental ambitions.

The 27-year-old arrives in Goa with a rich footballing background. Born in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain, Siverio sharpened his skills in the youth academies of UD Las Palmas and Racing Santander, before making a mark in Indian football with Hyderabad FC in 2021. Since then, he has become a familiar and feared name in the ISL, with 31 goals to his name.

His time in India includes winning the ISL title with Hyderabad FC and helping East Bengal FC lift the 2024 Super Cup—making him one of the few foreign players with significant silverware in recent seasons.

The striker has already joined training in Goa and is preparing with the squad as the Gaurs set their sights on silverware in the Indian Super League and beyond.

With this signing, FC Goa signals its intent to be title contenders in 2025–26 — and fans can expect thrilling football ahead.

📖 Stay tuned to allycaral.com for all the latest updates from Indian football.

Sports

Jason Dmelo Sets Sights on Greater National Presence for Sesa Football Academy

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Panaji, July 27, 2025 — In a move symbolizing legacy and progress, Jason Dmelo has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Sesa Football Academy (SFA). An alumnus of the very academy he now leads, Jason’s appointment is not just a personal milestone but a strategic step forward for SFA’s broader ambitions.

Announcing the appointment, Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head CSR at Sesa Goa, said,

“We are extremely happy to have Mr. Jason Dmelo on board. His rich experience and expertise in football will immensely contribute to our endeavours in nurturing grassroots talent and elevating SFA to national and international prominence.”

Jason holds an AFC ‘B’ License and has served the academy in various coaching roles including Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coach for U-17, U-19, and U-21 teams. His football journey spans playing for clubs like Salgaocar FC and Calangute Association, and coaching at GFDC and Piedade Youth Club.

With SFA’s #LetsFootballForIndia initiative gaining momentum, the Academy is actively expanding its national footprint in both men’s and women’s football. Jason’s recent achievements as a coach — from winning the U-17 Dream Sports Championship to leading teams in the Reliance Foundation Development League — highlight his readiness for the role.

Reflecting on his appointment, Jason said,

“It’s an honour to return to where it all started. I look forward to helping SFA scale new heights and inspire the next generation of footballers.”

SFA, Vedanta Sesa Goa’s flagship CSR initiative, has trained over 230 players, with 11 representing India internationally. It also organizes major grassroots events like the Vedanta Youth Cup and Vedanta Women’s League, nurturing talent from rural regions.

With this leadership transition, SFA is poised to make a strong push onto the national football map, and Jason Dmelo is ready to lead that charge.

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

Dempo SC Clinch Goa Monsoon Football Premier League 2025 in Style

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Dempo Sports Club delivered a footballing masterclass as they overpowered Dempo Juniors 6-1 to win the Goa Monsoon Football Premier League 2025 in a thrilling finale at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.

The match began evenly, with both teams locked at 1-1 by halftime, but it was in the second half that Dempo SC showed their true colors—scoring five unanswered goals and completely dismantling the opposition’s defense.

The star of the night was Murphy Fernandes, who not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, orchestrating play with flair and precision. His creative spark and attacking drive turned the tide in Dempo SC’s favor, earning him deserved accolades.

This win reaffirms Dempo SC’s dominance in Goan football and sets a strong precedent for future campaigns. The team’s tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and team spirit were evident throughout the league and culminated in this resounding victory.

Heartiest congratulations to the champions and best wishes for their journey forward.

Sports

FC Goa Retains Manolo Márquez as Head Coach for 2025–26 Indian Super League Season

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Goa, India – In a move that signals continuity and belief in long-term leadership, FC Goa has officially confirmed that Manolo Márquez will remain as the club’s Head Coach for the upcoming 2025–26 season.

The announcement comes after Márquez successfully steered the Gaurs through two highly competitive Indian Super League (ISL) campaigns, helping re-establish the club’s footballing identity and earning widespread respect for his tactical acumen and squad development.

A Proven Track Record in India

Before joining FC Goa, Márquez had already made a name for himself in Indian football, most notably with Hyderabad FC, where he clinched the ISL title. With FC Goa, he brought tactical discipline, attacking flair, and a clear footballing philosophy that translated into consistent performances on the pitch.

Under his leadership, the Gaurs have shown steady growth — both in results and in player development. From nurturing young Indian talent to crafting a balanced squad, Márquez has played a pivotal role in shaping FC Goa’s modern footballing narrative.

Club’s Statement:

“We are delighted to confirm that Manolo Márquez will continue as our Head Coach. His professionalism, deep understanding of the game, and connection with the team and fans make him the ideal leader as we aim for greater heights in the upcoming season.”

What It Means for the Gaurs

This marks Márquez’s third straight season in charge of FC Goa, a rare show of coaching continuity in Indian football. With pre-season preparations underway, the club can now focus on strategic signings, youth development, and building further on the strong foundation he has laid.

For the fans, it means more of the energetic, possession-based football that has become a hallmark of the team under his watch.

As FC Goa prepares for the 2025–26 ISL season, all eyes will be on Manolo Márquez — the man trusted to lead the charge once again.

Vamos Gaurs!