Indian Football Controversies
Indian Football Controversies: Indian football has been under intense scrutiny over the past two years due to administrative controversies and poor performances on the field. From coaching disputes to internal mismanagement, the sport faces an uphill battle to reclaim its momentum.
Image: Deccan Herald
Indian Football in Crisis: Declining Form and Rising Controversies
The last two years have been turbulent for Indian football. Despite glimpses of hope and fan enthusiasm, the sport has seen a downward trajectory, both in terms of performance and administration. While the Indian Super League (ISL) continues to grow in commercial appeal, the national team’s struggles and the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) controversies have raised serious concerns about the future of football in the country.
FIFA Suspension Over Governance Failures
In August 2022, Indian football made international headlines for the wrong reasons. FIFA suspended the AIFF over third-party interference after the Supreme Court dissolved its executive committee. This unprecedented suspension almost cost India the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Though the suspension was lifted within weeks, it highlighted the deep-rooted governance issues in Indian football.
The episode embarrassed the country on the global stage and raised questions about the AIFF’s internal functioning, transparency, and its ability to promote the sport effectively.
Disputes with Head Coach Igor Štimac
Another point of contention has been the increasingly strained relationship between the AIFF and head coach Igor Štimac. The Croatian tactician, who once led Croatia to the 2014 World Cup playoffs, publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of support from the federation. He criticized the AIFF for limited international exposure, inadequate preparation time, and unprofessional scheduling.
Štimac’s candid remarks created headlines and reflected a growing divide between team management and the football governing body, ultimately affecting the national team’s cohesion and morale.
On-Field Underperformance and Tactical Stagnation
On the pitch, the Indian team has failed to make a mark in key tournaments. In the 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, India showed inconsistency and failed to compete strongly against even lower-ranked opponents. The team’s defensive strategies often appeared outdated, and its attack lacked creativity and finishing ability.
Despite some regional success, such as in the SAFF Championship, the team has not progressed in tougher international competitions, casting doubt on its readiness for World Cup qualification. Veteran forward Sunil Chhetri’s potential retirement is another looming challenge, leaving a leadership vacuum that the next generation must fill quickly.
Administrative Blunders and Player Welfare Neglect
The AIFF has also been accused of mismanaging domestic calendars, failing to align the ISL and I-League effectively, and neglecting player welfare. Issues such as poor training facilities, delayed payments, and unclear team selections have led to dissatisfaction among players and clubs alike.
Moreover, allegations of favoritism in selections, non-transparent processes in youth programs, and a lack of focus on women’s football have added to the growing frustration within the Indian football community.
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Conclusion: Can Indian Football Recover?
Indian football is at a crossroads. While fan engagement is at an all-time high and the commercial side of the game has seen improvement, the sport’s governance and competitive edge remain underwhelming. If India is serious about qualifying for future World Cups, the AIFF must initiate structural reforms, invest in coaching development, and prioritize transparency.
The next few years will be crucial in determining whether Indian football can rise above its controversies or continue to flounder under the weight of mismanagement and missed opportunities.
