AIFF Technical Committee Chairman IM Vijayan has addressed the recent controversy surrounding the appointment of the new head coach for the Indian national men’s football team. The allegations made by former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia that the Technical Committee was bypassed in appointing Spaniard Manolo Marquez have been firmly refuted by Vijayan.
In early July, the Executive Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) decided to elevate Manolo Marquez, who is currently managing Indian Super League (ISL) side FC Goa, to the position of head coach of the national team. This move came after the dismissal of Croatian World Cupper Igor Stimac in June. Stimac’s tenure came to an end following India’s failure to qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking out on Thursday, Vijayan clearly stated, “We were aware of this fact. The matter was discussed… All the technical committee members were aware of it. Bhaichung did not attend the meeting and we cannot do anything about it. We had told him.”
The discourse began when Bhutia publicly questioned the transparency and process followed in appointing Marquez. Bhutia, who has been an influential figure in Indian football, expressed disappointment over the alleged sidelining of the Technical Committee. However, Vijayan’s statement clarifies that the committee was indeed involved in the discussions and decisions that led to Marquez’s appointment.
“We played together, so there is a mutual respect. But allegations of being bypassed are untrue. All members of the Technical Committee knew about the discussions. Maybe Bhaichung missed the meeting, but we kept him informed,” remarked Vijayan.
Marquez, a seasoned coach with considerable experience in European and Indian football, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Indian national team. His appointment marks a significant turn in the AIFF’s strategy, focusing on integrating diverse footballing philosophies to enhance the overall performance of the national team.
Supporting Vijayan’s statement, other members of the Technical Committee also reassured that due process was followed.
. “It was a unanimous decision, and everyone in the committee was aware,” said one member who chose to remain anonymous.
Bhutia’s absence from the crucial meeting where Marquez’s appointment was discussed raises questions about his current role within the Technical Committee. While his contributions to Indian football are undeniably substantial, missing out on pivotal meetings may impact his ability to engage actively in decision-making processes.
Despite the controversy, the primary focus now is on how Marquez’s leadership will influence the team. Known for his meticulous tactics and player management skills, Marquez is optimistic about contributing positively to the team’s future. “I am honored to take on this role. Indian football has tremendous potential, and I look forward to working with these talented players,” Marquez said in a recent interview.
Moreover, the coaching transition comes at a crucial time as the Indian national team is preparing for various upcoming international tournaments. The team’s performance in these tournaments will likely be a litmus test for Marquez’s strategies and their effectiveness in the context of Indian football.
AIFF’s decision to bring in Marquez reflects an effort to revive the team’s performance on the international stage. This strategic move illustrates a willingness to adopt new methodologies and break away from past routines that may not have yielded the desired outcomes.
The legacy Igor Stimac left behind is a mixed one. While he managed to bring some structural changes, the inconsistent performance of the team under his tenure led to his eventual departure. Marquez’s appointment aims to build on Stimac’s foundation while addressing the critical gaps that have hindered the team’s progress.
As the national team gears up under new leadership, all eyes will be on Marquez and his strategies to navigate the team through upcoming challenges. The AIFF’s Executive Committee along with the Technical Committee seems to have placed their confidence in Marquez, and now it remains to be seen how this confidence translates into performance on the field.
In conclusion, Vijayan’s clarification seeks to put an end to the controversy, steering the focus back to football and the national team’s future under the new coach. The coming months will undoubtedly be crucial for Indian football as it aims to carve out a stronger presence on the international stage.
