Igor Stimac Sacked: AIFF Offers Rs 75 Lakh Approx As Compensation on Termination of Contract; Croat Yet To Respond - Report

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After the big news of Igor Stimac being sacked as the head coach of Indian football team by nation's football governing body AIFF, it has now been reported that the federation offered Stimac a Rs 75 lakh as compensation, equivalent to three months' salary, for his abrupt termination.

The Croatian coach has yet to respond to this offer. Stimac's contract, which was renewed following the SAFF Championship triumph in Bengaluru, was set to run until June 2026.

The terms of the contract included a salary increase from $24,000 to $30,000 per month in the first year, escalating to $40,000 in the final year, irrespective of team performance, reported News9.

Notably, the contract did not include an exit clause, thereby entitling Stimac to compensation amounting to approximately Rs 6 crore, his entire salary till the end of the contract period.

Reportedly, Stimac told AIFF officials that he would resign without any compensation if the top brass of AIFF stepped down with him. However, this offer was not entertained, and the AIFF proceeded with the termination.

The decision to sack Stimac comes in the wake of India's failure to advance to the third round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a milestone he had promised to achieve. India's campaign ended in disappointment with a controversial defeat to reigning Asian Champions Qatar in Doha, followed by a goalless draw against Kuwait in Kolkata, and a 1-2 loss to Qatar.

This outcome placed India third in their qualifying group, below Qatar and Kuwait, who progressed to the next round.

After the qualifiers, Stimac defended his decision not to resign, citing unfulfilled promises by the AIFF. He argued that the federation failed to provide one-month national camps before crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers and AFC Asian Cup matches, a critical component of his strategy.

An AIFF official, speaking to News9 on condition of anonymity, confirmed the compensation offer and stated, "We have offered him three months' salary as compensation. He is yet to respond to our letter informing him of our decision." The federation, faced with mounting pressure from the football community, had little choice but to act decisively.

Despite the termination, the AIFF has not yet identified a successor for Stimac, either on an interim or permanent basis. This delay suggests a potential stalemate if Stimac refuses the offered compensation terms. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as both parties navigate this complex termination process.

Igor Stimac's tenure with the Indian football team has been marked by both promise and controversy. His departure, under these strained circumstances, leaves the AIFF with significant decisions to make regarding the future leadership of the national team. The football community awaits Stimac's response and the AIFF's next move in this unfolding saga.