AIFF proposes India U-20 team for I-League, Igor Stimac’s contract issues in focus

The Executive Committee (ExCo) of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has proposed that the India Under-20 men’s national team participate in the I-League, which is the second-tier club league of India after ISL (Indian Super League). This was discussed during the meeting held in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The move aims to prepare the team for the AFC Asian Cup 2026 and the Asian Games 2026, Asian games only allow U-23 players to compete along with three players from the senior squad in the tournament.

To help the Under-20 team maintain match fitness, the AIFF will assemble a squad and continue scouting for talent. The I-League, known for its long season, will allow the young players to gain valuable game time. The team will be exempted from the promotion-relegation system, ensuring continuous development opportunities.

Project like Indian Arrows

This project seems more like how Indian Arrows was formed in 2010 by AIFF. Indian Arrows was a similar club of young Indian players that played in the I-League. The club didn’t get much success as it was disbanded in 2013 but was re-established as Indian Arrows in 2017. However, in 2022, the AIFF’s technical committee decided to end the Indian Arrows’ participation in the I-League due to challenges in meeting AFC licencing requirements.

Tawang to become a High-Altitude training base

In an effort to improve training conditions for the Indian national football team, the AIFF ExCo accepted a proposal from the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association. The newly launched stadium in Tawang, situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet, will serve as a permanent venue for high-altitude training camps.

AGM calls for independent inquiry on Stimac’s contract renewal procedures

During the AIFF’s Annual General Body meeting, which followed the ExCo gathering, the members raised concerns regarding the renewal of India’s former head coach Igor Stimac’s contract. The former coach had filed a claim of $920,000 (7.72 crore rupees approx.) with the FIFA Football Tribunal. However, a full and final settlement was later reached with AIFF.

Members called for an independent inquiry into the internal processes followed during the contract renewal in 2023. The renewed contract, which was neither approved nor favorable, led to a significant financial loss for the AIFF during the settlement of Stimac’s claim.

Concerns over former employee’s role

Another issue raised at the meeting was the continued involvement of a former AIFF employee in committees of the South Asian Football Federation and the Asian Football Confederation. Members questioned how someone no longer employed by the AIFF could still represent the federation and called for formal action to curtail such practices. The AIFF ExCo has been asked to write to these bodies to address the situation.