The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that an request for the national team’s head coach position, purportedly from former FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernรกndez, was a hoax.
An AIFF Technical committee member, speaking to the Times of India, stated that even if Xavi were genuinely interested in Indian football and could be persuaded to take the role, significant financial resources would be required. This statement emerged following a virtual meeting held last Wednesday concerning the nomination of a new head coach.
In May, Xavi Hernรกndez had mentioned to The Athletic that he follows the Indian Super League due to the presence of numerous Spanish coaches within its ranks. He elaborated on his football viewing habits,stating,”It is the one that I follow (…) then the premier League.Not so much the French league,but sometimes I see the PSG or the Marseilles,especially Paris. In italia I follow Juventus because I have a couple of friends there, Sergi Roberto and Cesc Fรกbregas. I have good friends in Saudi Arabia and Qatar,so I follow the leagues there. I see a lot of football. I love football. I also follow a Panama because I have a friend there. And sometimes the indian league because there are many Spanish coaches there.”
regarding the selection of a new head coach, the Indian Committee has put forward three undisclosed names for the main coaching position. This role was previously held by Spaniard Manolo Mรกrquez until July 2.
The indian national team’s next fixture is scheduled for October 9 in Singapore, as part of the qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup, which will be hosted in Saudi Arabia. Currently, India ranks 133rd in the FIFA national team rankings.