Senior national team head coach Igor Stimac’s contract has been extended until 2026, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Thursday. The Croat has been rewarded for overseeing three title triumphs this year.
According to the contract, the Croat will automatically get an extension by another two years if India qualify for the third round of the 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers.
Former India defender Mahesh Gawli, the assistant coach of the senior men’s team, was appointed as the head coach of the men’s U-23 team.
Stimac, a member of the Croatia side that finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France, took charge of the Blue Tigers in 2019 and has won four major titles with the side, including two SAFF Championships.
“The federation, the members have decided to extend the contract of our national team, Igor Stimac, until the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. We have agreed to this, agreed to continue as one team,” AIFF secretary-general Shaji Prabhakaran said during a virtual interaction on Thursday.
Prabhakaran was flanked by Stimac and Gawli when he made the announcement.
“I feel a part of this family. I have huge trust in my staff. I appreciate the AIFF for placing their trust in us. It’s been a busy last three-four days, and we we know we need to keep progressing.
“Having stable staff around me is important, it’s important to have great people around,” Stimac said.
Most recently, Stimac guided an inexperienced Indian team to the Round of 16 at the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou. This was despite the clubs refusing to release players. It is the first time in 13 years that the team progressed thus far in the continental showpiece.
‘If I had got the team I wanted, we could have been in the medal contention,” Stimac rued on Thursday.
“However, I have the highest respect for the players who gave their all in Hangzhou,” he added.
Stimac highlighted the need for continuity in the coaching staff for a long-term development project. “I think it is also necessary to highlight that we have not negotiated our contracts with any increase in salaries,” Stimac said.
Gawli said he was aware of the task ahead. “I know it’s a huge responsibility for me,” Gawli said.
“We have a huge depth of talent in the country, and it is necessary to nurture and cultivate it well. I am honoured to have gotten this role.”
Prabhakaran said that the I-League is set to start from October 28 and the fixtures will be released soon.
