AIFF Confirms Xavi, Guardiola India Coach Applications Hoaxes

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that the applications purportedly sent by Spanish football legends Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola for the role of head coach of the Indian men's national team were hoaxes and their authenticity could not be verified. Despite earlier reports suggesting Xavi was an applicant, the AIFF clarified that the emails were not genuine, with some officials noting Xavi's candidacy would have been too expensive to pursue. The AIFF reviewed 170 applications and shortlisted three candidates for the position: Stephen Constantine, Stefan Tarkovic, and Khalid Jamil, chosen for their experience with Indian players and familiarity with Asian football. Constantine has previously coached India, Tarkovic brings European coaching experience including managing Slovakia during Euro 2020, and Jamil is a prominent figure in the Indian domestic league. The AIFF emphasized the importance of appointing a coach who understands the nuances of Indian and Asian football, aiming for a practical and strategic hiring decision following the departure of former coach Manolo Marquez. The federation also indicated that other qualified applicants will be considered for long-term strategic roles beyond the immediate coaching vacancy.