The report of All India Football Federation rejecting Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez's application to coach the Indian Football Team sent shockwaves. According to a Times of India report, the AIFF revealed that the board would not be able to afford his salary. However, in a major twist a video has been shared on X, where it is alleged that a fake prank email was sent to AIFF.
Was AIFF fooled by Xavi Hernandez's Fake Email Application?
According to the X user, a 19-year-old made an email ID called ‘xaviofficialfcb@gmail.com’ and sent a fake application. The Free Press journal does not verify the email or the video.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, there has been zero talks between Xavi and AIFF. Romano took to X and wrote, “Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and the Indian Federation.”
Another noted journalist, Ferran Correas, was quoted by Barca Times, stating, “People close to Xavi insist that he never applied for the head coach position of the Indian NT. They believe the All India Football Federation intentionally used his name to boost the profile of the role during their search for a new manager.”
AIFF search for new coach continues
According to TOI, former India coach Stephen Constantine, Eelco Schattorie, Liverpool legend Harry Kewell, Slovakia's Stefa Tarkovic, Khalid Jamil, Kibu Vicuna, and ex-Blackburn manager Steve Kean have all applied for the job of Indian head coach.
The Indian men's football team was previously managed by Spaniard Manolo Marquez. However, his tenure ended after only eight games, as he and AIFF mutually parted ways. Under him, India won only one international friendly, which came against the Maldives. Last month, India also lost both games to Thailand and Hong Kong under his stewardship. He had two years left on his contract and had replaced Igor Stimac.
