If Xavi agrees, he will be India's football coach, says AIFF's IM Vijayan

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) technical committee chairman I M Vijayan has not ruled out chances of Spanish football legend Xavi becoming the head coach of Indian national team, dismissing reports that he was rejected for the role due to high financial demands. 

Vijayan confirmed that the committee received an email from Xavi and has forwarded it for further verification. Speaking to Manorama News, he added that Xavi is among the top contenders for the head coach role and is one of ten shortlisted applicants under consideration.

Earlier, media reports claimed that Xavi Hernandez, popularly known as Xavi, was rejected by the AIFF due to the high financial cost involved for India's football governing body. 

However, Vijayan said that bringing Xavi would be expensive, but added that AIFF is ready to negotiate terms with him. "If Xavi agrees, he will become Indian football team's next head coach," he said. 

Vijayan further stated that three coaches have been shortlisted for India’s upcoming matches ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) season, but clarified that these appointments would be temporary. "The three shortlisted candidates have experience working in India and with Indian players. Former Indian coach Stephen Constantine is one among them. Their appointment will be short-term," Vijayan said. He added that as part of a long-term plan, the AIFF has shortlisted ten coaches, with Xavi topping the list.

Xavi has not returned to coaching since leaving the Barcelona job in May 2024. As a manager, Xavi lifted the La Liga title with his boyhood club in 2022-23. He had started his managerial career with Al Sadd in Qatar before returning to Spain.

The Indian men's football team is without a manager since the AIFF parted ways with Manolo Marquez. Recently, the Indian men's team slipped to a nine-year low of 133 in the FIFA rankings.