Indian football team suffered a huge setback in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers following their 2-1 loss against Qatar and they were out of contention for making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Indian football team showcased brilliant progress under the coaching of former Croatian footballer Igor Stimac and there was a huge jump in their rankings. Stimac received an extension of three years in the year 2023, which will end in 2026. However, the All India Football Federation's Technical Committee chairperson IM Vijayan while speaking to Times Now stated that the federation is open to signing an Indian coach if needed. Vijayan's statement came up days after the Blue Tigers lost to Qatar in the FIFA World Cup 2024 qualifiers.AIFF Writes to FIFA, AFC Following Controversial Goal by Qatar Against India in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Igor Stimac has brought a huge change to India's football fortunes ever since he took charge of the team. From being among the lowest-ranked teams in the FIFA ranking, the Blue Tigers came in the top 100 and achieved a ranking of 94 under Stimac's tenure. India also won the SAFF Championships in 2021 and 2023 under the tenure of Igor Stimac. India also won the SAFF Championships in 2021 and 2023 under the tenure of Igor Stimac. However, there have been many disappointments under his tenure as well. With India's disastrous loss in the India vs Qatar FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers match, the AIFF might look for Stimac's replacement. However, his tenure ends in 2026 and if Stimac is sacked, AIFF will have to pay a three-month compensation to the Croatian football manager. If they fail to do so, Stimac can approach FIFA which the Indian football governing body will not want.

IM Vijayan Drops A Huge Remark on Replacing Igor Stimac

Speaking to Times Now, IM Vijayan said, “Indian coaches are definitely a good option. They will bring fresh ideas, new direction, and we will think of about it. Let Igor Stimac come back to India after his break, and then we will speak to him." UEFA Euro Cup Winners List: Ahead of 2024 Edition Take A Look at Previous Champions 

Speaking further in the conversation former players such as Khalid Jamil, Renedy Singh and Mahesh Gawli are the prime contenders who can take over as India's head coach. He said, “There are many of them, like Khalid Jamil, Renedy Singh and Mahesh Gawli. But they will need to apply first."

India's elimination from the qualification round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was considered as disappointing due to a controversy in the clash against Qatar. During the match, India led by 1-0 until the 73rd minute when Yousef Amen scored a controversial goal after the ball went out of play.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2024 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).