Igor Stimac Meets AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey in Kolkata

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Igor Stimac

The Senior National Men’s Team Coach, Igor Stimac met with Kalyan Chaubey, the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), in Kolkata. The meeting, which took place on Friday, March 8, 2024, was also attended by IFA President Ajit Banerjee and Secretary Anirban Dutta.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss India’s upcoming matches in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan and Kuwait. India is set to face Afghanistan in an away match on March 21, 2024, in Abha, Saudi Arabia, followed by a home match in Guwahati on March 26, 2024. On June 6, India will host Kuwait in a crucial home encounter.

Igor Stimac discusses the issues with Kalyan Chaubey

India had earlier logged full points against Kuwait, courtesy of the all-important goal by Manvir Singh. With India standing on the brink of history, having an opportunity to make the third round of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time, the President and the head coach discussed the pros and cons involved in achieving this goal successfully.

Mr. Chaubey assured Mr. Stimac of all possible help and support in India’s endeavour to get among the elite 18 teams in the third round, which will also ensure India’s qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 tournament proper. The President informed the coach that all technical and logistic requirements to fulfil this dream would be taken care of by the federation.

Mr Stimac informed the President of the serious logistical issues the team could be facing while travelling to Abha. While the team would have to change the flight thrice, it would also cost the team two days of precious training time and acclimatisation at a high-altitude place like Abha, which is 2270 metres above sea level.

In response to these concerns, Mr Chaubey stated, “India’s away match against Afghanistan on March 21, is in Abha, Saudi Arabia. I discussed with the coach the genuine logistical problems the team could be facing while travelling there. Because we have always taken a no-compromise stand on issues related to the National Team, we have decided to hire a chartered flight to take our players to Abha. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the success of the National Team.”

Mr Chaubey informed the coach about the next Executive Committee and the Annual General Meeting of the AIFF on March 10, 2024, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. He said the members present in the meeting will be updated on the technical and logistical requirements of the National Team during India’s qualifying matches against Afghanistan and Kuwait.

Later, Igor Stimac said, “I need to honour the meeting with our President, Mr. Chaubey, with appreciation and satisfaction. We had a very effective meeting today, which will help our National team to obtain good results in the qualifiers ahead of us and we are going to do everything on the pitch to show our appreciation for the efforts taken by the President and his staff for the National Team.”

“I am very happy after the meeting and really hope the players will recognise the efforts of the AIFF. I will honour the same on the pitch.”

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