New Delhi

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has initiated an independent inquiry into the processes and personnel involved in the contract renewal of former head coach Igor Stimac. Stimac’s contract was terminated on June 17 following a virtual meeting with senior AIFF officials. After his termination, Stimac filed a $920,000 claim with the FIFA Football Tribunal, but a compensation settlement was later reached between him and AIFF.

During a recent Executive Committee meeting in Hyderabad, AIFF members reviewed the circumstances around Stimac’s contract renewal, termination, and the subsequent settlement of his claims. The federation highlighted that Stimac’s 2023 contract renewal left AIFF in a compromised negotiating position, leading to financial losses in the settlement.

Members voiced concerns about how a former employee like Stimac, who no longer holds a role in Indian football, still represents AIFF in committees of the South Asian Football Federation and Asian Football Confederation. They requested the AIFF Executive Committee to address this issue with the respective bodies.

Additionally, the meeting discussed the proposal for India’s Under-20 men’s national team to participate in the I-League to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup 2026 and the Asian Games 2026. This participation aims to provide the U20 team with consistent competitive play and maintain fitness, with the team exempted from promotion-relegation rules.