New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) The call for Indian men’s football team coach Igor Stimac’s removal is getting louder after their defeat against Afghanistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Former top coach Sanjoy Sen has demanded the Croatian World Cupper’s sacking.
Stimac has faced criticism for the team’s poor performances in the Asian Games and the AFC Asian Cup, as well as the recent draw and defeat against Afghanistan. Sen, speaking exclusively with IANS, blamed the foreign coaches for the team’s failures.
Sen questioned the impact of foreign coaches on Indian football, stating that the team has not progressed under their guidance. He criticized the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) decision to recruit foreign coaches and called for accountability in the selection process.
Despite acknowledging the role of foreign players in ISL clubs, Sen expressed concerns about the lack of scouting and selection process in Indian football. He highlighted the need for the national team coach to watch matches across the country and consider players from various leagues.
Sen called for a change in the selection criteria to give opportunities to deserving players from different leagues, emphasizing the potential of talents like David and Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia. With doubts lingering over the future of Indian football, Sen raised important questions about the current state of the sport in the country.
