India coach Stimac hits out at AIFF after historic Asian Cup qualification

Igor Stimac has lashed out at the messy state of affairs grappling with the national federation (AIFF), a day after his side qualified for AFC Asian Cup for the second consecutive time. The AIFF is currently run by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the Praful Patel-led federation was found to have violated the National Sports Code.

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While an immediate suspension by FIFA because of third-party intervention is out of cards, Stimac questioned the timing of the issue, which has cast a shadow on India's qualification for a prestigious tournament like the AFC Asian Cup. "For such an important tournament, was this the time to do this? Was anybody thinking how that could affect the dressing room and the players?" Stimac asked, referring to AIFF's current state of affairs. "I am not getting into who is right and who is wrong. It is not my job. I am just talking about timing. At such an important time, such a thing is happening, is anyone normal?"

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India, who are second behind Hong Kong (six points) on goal difference, have qualified ahead of their final round group D clash. This is for the first time India have qualified for the Asian Cup in two successive editions, having made the group league exit in the 2019 edition.

"Nothing would have happened if they were waiting for three more weeks after having waited so many years," he said. The