Igor Stimac Set To Receive USD 400,000 From AIFF As Compensation

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has finally reached an agreement with former men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac, bringing an end to a contentious battle that erupted following his dismissal in June 2024. The Croatian coach, who had been at the helm of Indian football since 2019, is set to receive $400,000 (approximately ₹3.36 crore) after tax as part of a settlement for his early termination. This development concludes months of uncertainty and bitterness between the two parties, which saw threats of legal action and a standoff over financial compensation.

The Controversial Dismissal: Stimac’s Early Exit

Igor Stimac’s sacking by the AIFF came as a shock to many, not just because of his stature but also because of the timing. The Croatian had been given a contract extension in October 2023, which was supposed to keep him in charge until 2026, contingent on his ability to guide India to the quarterfinals of the Asian Cup—a feat that the national team had never achieved in its history. However, things took a downward turn when India was ousted from the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, a phase where expectations were high due to a relatively favorable draw.

The AIFF’s decision to sack Stimac a year before his contract expired sparked a bitter dispute. The Croatian coach, who had built a solid rapport with Indian football fans, felt blindsided by the decision. His sacking was followed by an intense war of words between Stimac and the AIFF, with the former coach demanding compensation for what he perceived as an unfair termination. Stimac threatened to sue the federation if his dues were not settled within 10 days, escalating the tension between both parties.

Settlement Reached: Stimac to Receive $400,000

After weeks of negotiations and threats of legal action, the AIFF and Igor Stimac have now come to an agreement. According to sources privy to the development, Stimac will receive $400,000 as compensation, after tax, for the premature termination of his contract. This resolution brings an end to a standoff that could have further tarnished the reputation of Indian football on the international stage.

“The AIFF top brass has approved payment of USD 400,000 as compensation to settle the issue with Stimac,” a source told PTI on Sunday, confirming that both parties had agreed to move on from the dispute. This hefty settlement is a significant blow to the AIFF’s already-strained finances, particularly given the federation’s struggles in recent years to secure adequate funding for its football development programs and competitions.

A Bitter Legal Battle Averted

Before this settlement, the situation had taken a bitter turn. The AIFF had initially offered Stimac three months’ salary as compensation following his sacking, but the Croatian rejected the offer. Stimac then took his case to FIFA, claiming $920,000 (approximately ₹7.72 crore) as two years’ salary from the AIFF. The legal escalation created a tense atmosphere around Indian football, with both sides unwilling to back down.

The standoff also put the AIFF under significant pressure, as the federation has been struggling with financial issues. Cutting back on competition budgets and dealing with the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic had left the AIFF in a precarious situation. A prolonged legal battle with Stimac could have worsened matters, draining resources and potentially causing more damage to Indian football’s already fragile reputation.

Stimac’s Tenure: Mixed Success and Unfulfilled Potential

Igor Stimac’s tenure as head coach of the Indian men’s national team was one of mixed success. When he was appointed in 2019, there was optimism that the former Croatian international, who had played a key role in his country’s 1998 World Cup semi-final run, could bring new life to Indian football. His appointment was part of a broader strategy by the AIFF to elevate India’s footballing stature in Asia.

Under Stimac, India saw some positive results, including a spirited performance in the 2019 Asian Cup and promising outings in World Cup qualifiers. However, his tenure was also marked by inconsistency, with the team struggling to achieve significant breakthroughs. The failure to advance from the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, despite a relatively easy draw, proved to be a critical blow to his tenure.

Moreover, despite the AIFF’s conditional extension of his contract in October 2023, which hinged on India’s performance in the Asian Cup, Stimac faced mounting pressure. India had finished last in their group in previous Asian Cup appearances, in both the 2011 and 2015 editions. The challenge of reaching the quarterfinals seemed steep, and ultimately, the early exit in World Cup qualifiers sealed his fate.

AIFF’s Financial Struggles: Balancing Budgets and Ambitions

The financial aspect of Stimac’s departure cannot be overlooked. The AIFF’s decision to sack him came at a time when the federation was facing significant financial difficulties. The pandemic had already taken a toll on the AIFF’s budget, and cuts had been made to various competition and development programs. Offering a substantial settlement to Stimac was not an easy decision, but it was necessary to avoid a prolonged legal battle.

Earlier, the AIFF had attempted to settle the matter by offering Stimac five and then 10 months’ salary as compensation, but the Croatian coach refused to accept anything less than what he believed he was owed. The final settlement of $400,000, while a significant amount, is less than half of what Stimac had initially demanded through his legal claim to FIFA. Nonetheless, it still represents a considerable financial burden for the federation, which now faces the challenge of managing its resources carefully to continue its footballing ambitions.

Manolo Marquez Steps In: A New Era for Indian Football

With Stimac’s chapter now closed, the AIFF has turned its focus to the future. Manolo Marquez, a highly regarded Spanish coach, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s national team. Marquez, who has previously enjoyed success in Indian domestic football, particularly with Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), is expected to bring a new philosophy and approach to the national team.

The AIFF’s decision to bring in Marquez signals a desire for stability and progress after the turbulence of Stimac’s departure. Marquez’s track record in Indian football suggests that he understands the challenges and potential of the country’s football landscape. His appointment comes with expectations of rejuvenating the national team and pushing forward with the development of young talent.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Indian Football

The resolution of Igor Stimac’s dispute with the AIFF marks the end of a tumultuous period for Indian football, but it also opens the door to new possibilities. With Manolo Marquez at the helm, the national team will be looking to rebuild and refocus on its goals for the future. The upcoming Asian Cup, as well as other international tournaments, will provide opportunities for Marquez to prove his mettle and guide India to new heights.

For the AIFF, the focus now shifts to managing its finances effectively while continuing to invest in the development of the sport across the country. The Stimac saga serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing national football teams, particularly in a country where the sport is still growing. However, with the right leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, Indian football can emerge stronger and more resilient from this experience.

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