The astrologer controversy and the tussle between AIFF and ISL golf equipment over gamers for Asian Video games has hit Indian soccer arduous. AIFF picture
After the excessive of the SAFF Championship win in July 2023, Indian soccer has skilled fairly a low in latest days. First, they misplaced both matches in Kings’ Cup 2023, and now there’s experiences that the All India Soccer Federation (AIFF) paid cash to an astrologer with particulars which have dragged head coach Igor Stimac into the controversy as properly. So as to add insult to damage, the Indian Tremendous League (ISL) golf equipment have determined to not send their players to the Asian Games.
A lot has occurred in Indian soccer, largely setbacks, that it’s inconceivable to maintain monitor of the whole lot. Right here we spell out the most important controversies, and the reactions and clarify why AIFF and ISL are at loggerheads over the Asian Video games.
Stimac’s astrologer controversy
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In June final yr, information company PTI had reported that AIFF paid Rs 16 lakh to an astrologer company for its providers which included “motivating” the nationwide staff in the course of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The PTI report nonetheless didn’t make any point out of Stimac.
However a report on Tuesday within the Indian Express claimed that Stimac was put in touch with the astrologer Bhupesh Sharma by then AIFF common secretary Kushal Das because the federation was “worried” about India’s qualification.
The federation additionally paid Rs 12-15 lakh for his providers as India defeated Cambodia, Afghanistan and Hong Kong to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup finals.
What assist did Sharma present to Stimac?
In keeping with the report, Stimac shared particulars of the gamers with the astrologer who made suggestions that helped the Croat resolve the beginning XI for a match.
On 9 June, earlier than the must-win sport towards Afghanistan, Stimac despatched an inventory of possible 11 to the astrologer who then replied with remarks towards every title. The remarks as per the information report included feedback like “Good”; “can do very well. Needs to avoid overconfidence”; “a below average day”; “a very good day for him but might get over aggressive”; “not recommended for the day”.
Ultimately, Stimac dropped two established names from the staff as per the astrologer’s suggestions.
This is only one instance out of 100 messages between Stimac and Sharma between Could-June when India performed 4 matches, three in Asian Cup qualifiers and a pleasant towards Jordan.
Stimac shared data like possible 11, damage updates, and substitution methods with Sharma for each sport earlier than finalising the staff.
How has Stimac reacted?
The 1998 World Cup bronze medallist who has been India’s coach since 2019 broke his silence on Tuesday night. Whereas the previous World Cupper didn’t remark particularly on the astrologer controversy, he did point out that extra revelations are to observe earlier than including that he stays dedicated to creating India a “football nation”.
“Target or honest fighter for the betterment of Indian football? The time is coming to put all cards on the table and see how much and who really cares about football in this country. Give it a thought before making up your judgment and thanks once again for your support,” Stimac wrote on X (previously Twitter).
“My dream of making India a football nation is still alive,” he added.
The AIFF has not reacted up to now to the controversy.
AIFF vs ISL golf equipment over Asian Video games squad
One other controversy engulfing Indian soccer is that of the conflict between the nationwide federation and the ISL golf equipment over gamers to be launched for the Asian Video games.
India’s Asian Video games marketing campaign begins on 19 September whereas the ISL 2023-24 season begins on 21 September and in such a state of affairs, golf equipment have refused to launch their high gamers for the Asian Video games.
India’s squad for the Asian Video games features a host of top-choice gamers and even when males’s soccer at Asian Video games is an U-23 affair, three gamers past the age cap may very well be included. India have picked Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan because the senior gamers.
Nevertheless, their participation is unsure now.
The Asian Video games falls exterior the FIFA window wherein golf equipment are mandated to launch gamers for nationwide obligation. As there aren’t any obligations, the golf equipment don’t wish to launch the gamers.
However the tussle between AIFF and ISL golf equipment runs deeper.
When the Indian soccer calendar for the present season was drawn, Asian Video games didn’t characteristic in it. As per the Sports activities Ministry, the Indian soccer staff, which was not among the many top-eight sides in Asia, was not eligible for the Asian Video games. Nevertheless, India’s blazing run of type modified the state of affairs and notion of the facet.
AIFF urged the Sports activities Ministry and received the approval for the Asian Video games.
However, with the ISL scheduled for a 21 September begin, the Asian Video games are set to conflict with the home league.
The AIFF additionally went on to announce a squad with the highest gamers for the Asian Video games however didn’t get the required permissions from the ISL golf equipment.
Issues received worse when gamers weren’t launched by Indian staff administration instantly after the King’s Cup led to Thailand on 10 September. As per experiences, gamers weren’t given return tickets whereas it was additionally reported that their passports have been collected by administration in order that they may not return instantly.
After a heated deadlock, gamers left for India on 12 September.
What subsequent?
The AIFF is now anticipated to ship a staff of younger gamers most of whom participated within the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers not too long ago. Clifford Miranda, who was India U-23 coach in the course of the qualifiers, may be India’s coach in the course of the Asian video games as an alternative of Stimac.
It has nonetheless additionally been reported that AIFF will make one other try to influence ISL groups to launch two gamers from every staff.