Igor Stimac calls on AIFF President in Kolkata
NEW DELHI: AIFF President, Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, had a meeting with Senior National Men’s Team Coach, Mr. Igor Stimac, in Kolkata on Friday, March 8, 2024, about India’s upcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan and Kuwait. IFA President Mr. Ajit Banerjee and Secretary Mr. Anirban Dutta were present at the meeting.
India are set to face Afghanistan in the away match on March 21, 2024, in Abha, Saudi Arabia, followed by the home match in Guwahati on March 26, 2024. On June 6, India will host Kuwait in a crucial home encounter. India had earlier logged full points against Kuwait, courtesy of the all-important goal by Manvir Singh.
With India standing on the brink of history, having an opportunity to make the third round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time, the President and the head coach discussed the pros and cons involved in achieving this goal successfully. The President also discussed with the coach the issues the latter addressed during the coach’s meeting with the Technical Committee last month.
On behalf of the AIFF, Mr. Chaubey assured Mr. Stimac of all possible help and support in India’s endeavour to get among the elite 18 teams in the third round, which will also ensure India’s qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 tournament proper. The President informed the coach that all technical and logistic requirements to fulfill this dream would be taken care of by the federation.
Mr. Stimac informed the President of the serious logistical issues the team could be facing while travelling to Abha. While the team would have to change the flight thrice, it would also cost the team two days of precious training time and acclimatization at a high-altitude place like Abha, which is 2270 metres above sea level.
Mr. Chaubey later said: “India’s away match against Afghanistan on March 21, is in Abha, Saudi Arabia. I discussed with the coach the genuine logistical problems the team could be facing while travelling there. Because we have always taken a no-compromise stand on issues related to the National Team, we have decided to hire a chartered flight to take our players to Abha. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the National Team.”
Mr. Chaubey informed the coach about the next Executive Committee and the Annual General Meeting of the AIFF on March 10, 2024, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. He said the members present in the meeting will be updated on the technical and logistical requirements of the National Team during India’s qualifying matches against Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Later, Mr. Stimac said: “I need to honour the meeting with our President, Mr. Chaubey, with appreciation and satisfaction. We had a very effective meeting today, which will help our National team to obtain good results in the qualifiers ahead of us and we are going to do everything on the pitch to show our appreciation for the efforts taken by the President and his staff for the National Team.
“I am very happy after the meeting and really hope the players will recognise the efforts of the AIFF. I will honour the same on the pitch.”
Also Read: East Bengal FC falters again as FC Goa notches an important win
Also Read: Sanchit’s hattrick and Sahil’s brace dazzle for MH Oranje FC in 8-0 triumph against PIFA FC
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced Maharashtra State U-20 Men’s Football Team which will participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship to be…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
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…