The AIFF remains to comment on Romano and Correas' denials, but the validity of their allegation remains under strict scrutiny.
There has been a recent allegation by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez was inquiring about the Indian national football team head coach position which has been disputed. Financial limitations are cited by the AIFF as the reason for turning down Xavi's bid. However, influential global football reporters have refuted outright the existence of any such conversations.
In an exclusive report by The Times of India (TOI), national team director Subrata Paul stated, “Yes, Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.” The federation also cited high salary demands as the reason behind not moving forward with his candidacy.
Contrary to the claims made by the AIFF, world transfer expert Fabrizio Romano denied the news on social media site X (formerly Twitter). According to him, "Despite recent rumors, zero conversations occurred between Xavi Hernandez and Indian Federation.
Fueling the flames further, Spanish reporter Ferran Correas claimed that the AIFF tactfully employed the name of Xavi in order to get more exposure for the vacancy posting. He was reported by Barca Times as saying, "People around Xavi maintain that he never applied for the head coach job of the Indian NT. They are convinced that the All India Football Federation used his name intentionally to increase the stature of the position when they were looking for a new manager."
In addition to the above, former India coach Stephen Constantine, Liverpool legend Harry Kewell, Kibu Vicuna, Eelco Schattorie, Khalid Jamil, Slovakia's Stefan Tarkovic, and former Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean are also in the running for the India coaching position, TOI reported.
Xavi, the recent FC Barcelona manager, guided them to the 2023 Supercopa de España and the 2022-23 La Liga championship. As a player, he won the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the 2008 and 2012 UEFA Euros, and various club championships, with three Champions League titles, five La Liga championships, and two continental trebles.
The AIFF remains to comment on Romano and Correas' denials, but the validity of their allegation remains under strict scrutiny.
