Desk Report,
Guardiola’s application to become India coach was rejected by the federation as ‘fake’
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has applied to become the coach of the Indian national football team. Former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez is also interested. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed the receipt of applications from two Spanish coaches.
Guardiola’s application to become India coach was rejected by the federation as ‘fake’
However, the AIFF said that the authenticity of the applications of Guardiola and Xavi could not be found during verification. The federation has labelled their applications as ‘fake’. The AIFF invited applications to appoint a new coach after Manola Marquez stepped down earlier this month. On Thursday, an Indian national team director told The Times of India that Xavi Hernandez is among those who have applied to become the coach. Xavi has been out of work since leaving Barcelona last year. However, he also said that the application was not considered as he did not have the financial means to hire someone of such high caliber as Xavi.
The AIFF issued a press release on the appointment of the coach of the Indian national football team on Saturday. The statement said that along with Xavi, applications have also been received from Pep Guardiola. Guardiola has been working as the coach of Manchester City for 9 years. He is contracted with the leading European club until 2027. Guardiola, who is under contract with City, is doubtful about wanting to become the coach of India. There has been no recent rumor that he may take charge of any national team or leave City. In such a situation, the AIFF has started investigating the matter of Guardiola wanting to become the coach of India.
The notice titled ‘AIFF Executive Committee to review the candidates shortlisted for the post of head coach of the Indian senior men’s national football team by rejecting fake applications’ reads, ‘AIFF received an e-mail with the applications of Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. However, the authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed. It was later revealed that the email applications were not genuine.
A total of 170 applications were received from people interested in becoming India’s coach. After scrutiny, a shortlist of three was reportedly prepared.
