The storm named ‘Indian Football’
Under Igor Stimac’s tutelage, the Indian football team has played 24 international games. The team faced nine losses, drew nine, and won six. The Croatian gaffer took charge in 2019. The team last won against Nepal in October 2021. In 2022, India lost against Bahrain and Belarus.
Team India’s only remarkable performance under Stimac came when they drew against Qatar in the 2019 World Cup Qualifiers. However, the decline happened with draws against low placed Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
Soon, COVID caused a major slump. But as everything normalizes, Indian football still faces great challenges.
“China has been spending more than a billion dollars per year in football development. Millions of children in academies, thousands and thousands of foreign coaches, getting foreign players to play for their national team. And still, it’s not enough (for them to qualify for the World Cup).
We are dreaming about going to World Cup one day. It’s a huge, massive process because we are not the only ones dreaming about it. Other countries are doing more (than us) in terms of quantity of investments, grassroots, foreign coaches at academies, coaching licensing” said the Indian team coach in an interview with Indian Express.
The woes off the pitch
Off the pitch, there are bigger problems looming over the football federation of India. In an affidavit to the Supreme Court on 8th April in relation to the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the AIFF, the Sports Ministry claimed current President, Shri Praful Patel’s tenure violates the sports code.
“…the term of the existing committee (of AIFF) is already over, and the existing president (Praful Patel) has completed more than 12 years as president, the petitioner (AIFF) should hold elections without further delay as per extant instructions contained under Sports Code and the instructions issued by the Answering Respondent (sports ministry) from time to time, the ministry’s affidavit said.
“That thus the tenure of an office-bearer of the Petitioner, such as the president, who has already served 12 years as president of AIFF, will be in violation of the Sports Code, specifically clause 9.3 (iii) of the Sports Code read with the notification dated 01.05.2010.” Patel completed his three terms and 12 years as AIFF president in December 2020, the maximum permitted to a national sports federation (NSF) chief under the Sports Code.
Replying to it, the AIFF claims that its constitution is pending approval from the ministry. Once confirmed, they are willing to conduct elections ‘tomorrow’ if required.
“As per the constitution of FIFA and AFC, it is mandatory to have an elected body representing the affairs of AIFF,” it said.
“Otherwise AIFF will lose its affiliation with FIFA and AFC and will not be able to either participate or hold any international competition in India including the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“We would be more than happy to hold the elections tomorrow if the SC approves our constitution. Already our constitution is in conformity with the National Sports Code adhering to the age limit of 70 years and three tenures totalling 12 years.”
Adding to it, in a recent series of tweets, Minerva Academy owner Mr Ranjit Bajaj accused the AIFF General Secretary of sexual abuse at the workplace. He further put allegations of intoxication. The tweets, which claims Bajaj having records of the wrongdoings by Mr Kushal Das have raised eyebrows for the entire fraternity.
…Cont..Who is head of madatory sexual harassment complaint officer of AIFF &he was forced to bury the report by @praful_patel so two cases of molestation of his employees at the workplace & the fact he starts(kushal DAS )drinking at 10 am in office😳😞🙏🏽 #MeToo #indianfootball
— Ranjit Bajaj (@THE_RanjitBajaj) April 25, 2022
Taking stern steps against the increasing issues of the governing body, the sports ministry has slashed funding drastically. The amount is decreased from INR 30 crores in 2018-19 to 5 crores this year which is almost 85% in the last four years.
Considering the current scenario, what steps will the stakeholders take to turn the tide? Will the off-field problems further slump the national team’s progress? Only time can tell.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Mumbai City FC end historic campaign with victory over Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
Lallianzuala Chhangte: I wouldn’t be here today if not for the chances given to me by the ISL
Mumbai, March 26: Nineteen games into the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24, Mumbai City FC finds itself placed comfortably at the top of the table with 41 points. They are well…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…