Igor Stimac Agrees to Contract Extension Through 2023 AFC Asian Cup

Igor Stimac, the head coach of the Indian men’s football team, extended his contract on Tuesday, keeping him in command of the “Blue Tigers” through the end of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Igor Stimac, head coach of the Indian men’s football team, signed a contract extension on Tuesday that will keep him in command of the “Blue Tigers” through the conclusion of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) technical committee made the recommendation to renew the contract last month, and the executive committee later approved it during their meetings in Kolkata at the same time. The technical committee’s advice that the coach’s contract be automatically renewed if India advances to the Asian Cup quarterfinals was also supported by the executive committee.

The AIFF’s trust in the effort that we put into the process makes Stimac very delighted, he said.

“We have had a really strong run in the qualifying matches, and we want to make sure that we maintain strengthening ourselves till the Asian Cup and give a good account of ourselves in the continental stage.” Since taking over as the Blue Tigers’ manager in 2019, the 55-year-old Croatian has been a great success. Earlier this year, when India won Group D of the Third Round qualifiers, the Blue Tigers qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the second time in a row.

We must continue to develop and find our best lineup till the Asian Cup, he added, adding that now that qualifying is guaranteed.

Even though the process is difficult and painful, if we can follow the rules strictly and avoid cutting corners, we can reach our goal of making it to the knockout rounds. “The new team in AIFF would want to see a forward momentum for the national team and we are resolved to rebuild it with a fresh approach by establishing a new plan specifically for the senior national squad,” stated AIFF secretary general Shaji Prabhakaran. The federation will collaborate closely with the head coach, the support staff, the players, and the clubs to ensure that a favourable environment is established for Indian football through the senior league, according to the secretary general.

With his vast knowledge and dedication, Igor Stimac would undoubtedly lead the Indian national team to a higher level, Prabhakaran added.