Former India head coach Igor Stimac was recently sacked by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after their failure to qualify for the World Cup. The AIFF accused Stimac of being dependent on an astrologer to pick players, leading to a turbulent relationship during his five years in charge. The defeat to Qatar earlier this month was the final straw, ending India’s dreams of reaching the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and resulting in the termination of his contract.
In his final press conference, Stimac mentioned undergoing heart surgery due to stress and battling “lies” and people with “private interests” during his tenure. The AIFF responded by stating that Stimac had damaged the national association with his negative statements and communicate. They believe that the termination of his contract was the right decision, as his conduct was not befitting of a professional who had served the organization for over five years. Stimac, who played a World Cup semifinal for Croatia in 1998, became India coach in 2019 and briefly took the team into the top 100 of Fifa’s world rankings for the second time in almost three decades.
Stimac’s tenure as India’s head coach was marked by controversies, including reports in 2023 of his alleged use of an astrologer to pick the national teams. While Stimac had initially denied these claims, the AIFF’s statement confirmed that they were shocked to note his dependence on an astrologer for player call-ups and team selections. Despite taking India to the Asian Cup at the beginning of the year, where they lost all three games, India’s ranking in the world currently stands at 124th. Despite being once considered a “sleeping giant” in the sport by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, India’s football team has struggled to make a significant impact on the international stage.
This recent development brings into question the impact of astrology on sports and player selection. While some coaches and athletes may use unconventional methods to enhance performance, the reliance on astrological advice for crucial decisions like team selections raises concerns about the credibility of such practices in professional sports. The controversy surrounding Igor Stimac and his alleged reliance on an astrologer highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the selection process to ensure fair competition and unbiased decision-making in sports.
Moving forward, the AIFF will need to hire a new head coach who can navigate the challenges of leading the Indian national football team with integrity and professionalism. The selection process for the new coach should prioritize clear communication, ethical conduct, and a commitment to building a successful team that can compete at the highest levels. As India continues to strive for success in international football, it is essential to learn from past experiences, address any shortcomings, and focus on creating a positive and supportive environment for players and coaching staff to thrive and achieve their full potential. With the right leadership and a renewed focus on developing talent and fostering a strong team culture, India’s football team can aspire to greater success on the global stage.
