Igor Stimac blasts AIFF after sacking, makes serious allegations for 'Imprisoned Indian Football'

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Igor Stimac, the recently sacked India national team coach has blasted AIFF with various allegations, from betrayal to suffering.

Igor Stimac addressed the media on Friday (June 21) and explained the detailed timeline of things that happened to him during the last year or so.

The Croatian manager, who promised to leave the coaching position if India couldn't qualify for the 3rd round of Asian Qualifiers, also revealed that he would have left his post regardless of India's qualification status.

"I am really sad to see the project being stopped as the team was in the new era. We were stopped in Qatar with some funny things which are not welcomed in football but part of it. I wanted to address everyone to make things clear. There is no anger in me. Proud of the players for how the way they handled situations. We were working to play aggressive football. It was not easy for players but we were starting to change our approach. I will give huge thanks to the fans of India. They were amazing wherever we played and whenever we played. It meant a lot on how much they cared. It is not easy to play away games in Asia and supporters were wonderful," Stimac started addressing the media.

Igor Stimac wanted to leave, blasts AIFF

"I will skip to things which happened in the last few days. There are witnesses who know very well what my decision was long ago. Some of my senior players knew I would leave my position even if we qualified for the 3rd round. It was impossible for me to continue without any support and listening to these lies as people were more concerned about their personal interests.

"When new people took over the charge the clear message was sent to me on the first day that the coach's contract will be renewed if we qualify for the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup. They don't appreciate what has been done and I was not angry. I wanted to do as much work as possible.

No Trust and Breach of Contract

"There was no mutual trust. I wanted to make sure these people wouldn't sack me midway. But then some things happened which were not coordinated and discussed and the new people, I am speaking about Kalyan Chaubey, who accepted the schedule of the national team without even consulting me, which is a breach of the contract. I couldn't do anything about it as I was focused on the games ahead of us.

"After the SAFF Championship final last year in Bengaluru, I called for an urgent meeting and the AIFF president attended it. I spoke about what the national team can achieve with proper time. The game we played was beautiful and brought a lot of happiness. I explained to them clearly in what position Indian football was at the moment. They were aware of a huge suffering year ahead of us. I told them if they don't change things radically, don't organize meetings with responsible stakeholders like FSDL, it will become very difficult. Whatever they arranged with Kings Cup, Merdeka Cup were hurting our team.

The new people decided to arrange games without consulting Stimac. They accepted the King's Cup and Merdeka Cup and Stimac says it shortened the preparation period for the Asian Games.

AIFF changed the Asian Games Roster: Stimac

If they couldn't change the calendar for the national team, I proposed to them to extend my contract till 1st September.

Everybody know what kind of circus was going on before the Asian Games. I warned them that we have been working very hard to grow youngsters quicker and I wanted to show in the Asian Games that India has enough strength without senior players, but my list was changed. Everything was destroyed because there were no communication because of the parties in our own house. You may remember how the trip (Asian Games) was organized and what time we reached there.

A New Contract and the Subsequent Shocking Turn

"I engaged with my lawyer and told him to prepare for my resignation. At the Asian Games, I was told that Shaji (Prabhakaran) would take over. I wanted them to take care of my staff as they were not taking any compensation and working very hard. We came to agreement about everything everyone around 2nd or 3rd October last year.

"From October, the only thing that happened was that Shaji was removed from office and things went quiet. Nothing was said about the contract of the staff. Things were changing according to social media and that is a terrible practice. Knowing we are not gonna get time for preparation, I said a few things in public and after I said the World Cup qualifiers would be more important, I received a final warning letter from AIFF.

I had Heart Surgery after AIFF Warning: Stimac

"When I received the final warning letter on December 2nd last year, I finished in the hospital. I was really disturbed with everything and I had immediate surgery on my heart getting two stents. I was putting myself on the line for the Asian Games when I should have been resting. In such conditions, I went to defend the colours of my country.

"After three months of my contract extension, my staffs were getting promises until a few days back. We worked without any equipment. I wanted assurance for my staff and the words were that things are in process and they will sign a contract soon."

The Final Straw of Igor Stimac's India Career

Finally, the Croatian spoke in the final weeks of his India tenure which panned out after India's elimination from the World Cup qualifiers after a defeat against Qatar.

"Now the Final thing. Once the game in Qatar finished. I told you that long back I decided that I will leave and say goodbye to India, the very first day after the game, I got a call from Sathya asking me about accepting Hero Intercontinental Cup in July. I was amazed at the lack of knowledge about football among these people. To think something about it tells you what kind of state of mind these people have, they don't even have any clue. They only care about their position and power and how to stay at their position.

Stimac also revealed that an AIFF official asked if it would be okay to receive three months' salary and leave his position. Stimac said that he told the official to be patient as he may leave the coach position within a month.

"Suddenly, the next day, I received my termination letter. Only half a day after telling the AIFF official to be patient and not come under social media pressure, they decided to terminate my contract. I was hurt once again. That was not something which should happen in a serious organization," Stimac said.

"Now they are panicking as the sum is huge. They are probably talking with their commercial partner but I don't care anymore. It was a great honour. I will always stay a fan and I wish you all the best," Stimac concluded in his message.

How did the players react to Igor Stimac's decision?

The Indian coach got emotional and had tears in his eyes while answering the question. The Croatian said, "Since this happened, I just asked to organize a WhatsApp group with all the players and staff members, which has almost 120 people. I sent a farewell message to them appreciating their passion and hard work. Since then the messages I received was heartbreaking. I would like to read it to you but I won't as I will start crying again."

"Facts are not excuses. And the truth is what is giving us the opportunity to be successful. The way we prepared for the Afghanistan game was not good enough. We handled the pressure well."

Will Igor Stimac accept the India coach role again?

"I came with an open heart but I have suffered so much. Your football is imprisoned. I accepted the challenge five years ago but nothing will happen in another two decades. I don't see anything good happening soon," Stimac further said.

The Future - India and Igor Stimac

Igor Stimac also says that India won't be able to bring in any top coach as the top managers wouldn't be looking forward to coming to India. When asked about his future, Stimac said that he would take the decision only after the Euros.

ISL needs to be run by Football people, not Cricket people: Stimac

"ISL has done very well for Indian football. The pitches, the organized clubs and the salaries of the football players are something which have been excellent. But there are many poor things about ISL. It needs to be run by football people. It shouldn't be run by cricket people. I don't know why people are trying to protect something from football. Whoever is involved in decision-making is not doing a good job," Stimac further said.