AIFF Claims Xavi Applied for India Coach Role, but Reports Say It’s a Fabrication

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is facing backlash and ridicule after claiming that Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez had applied for the position of head coach of the Indian national football team — a claim now refuted by multiple credible international sources.

🔹 AIFF Says Xavi Applied but Was Rejected Over Salary

According to a Times of India report, the AIFF claimed that Xavi’s application was rejected due to financial constraints, as his expected salary was far beyond what the federation could afford. National team director Subrata Paul reportedly told TOI, “Yes, Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.”

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🔹 Fabrizio Romano Denies Any Contact

However, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano directly contradicted the AIFF’s statement. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernandez and Indian Federation.”

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🔹 Spanish Journalist Claims AIFF ‘Used Xavi’s Name’

Adding to the controversy, respected Spanish journalist Ferran Correas claimed that the AIFF may have deliberately used Xavi’s name to generate buzz around the coaching vacancy.

Quoted by Barca Times, Correas said:

“People close to Xavi insist that he never applied for the head coach position of the Indian NT. They believe the All India Football Federation intentionally used his name to boost the profile of the role during their search for a new manager.”

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🔹 Who Actually Applied?

The AIFF is reportedly in the final stages of selecting a new coach, with the following candidates understood to have applied:

• Stephen Constantine (former India head coach)

• Harry Kewell (former Liverpool winger)

• Kibu Vicuña

• Eelco Schattorie

• Khalid Jamil

• Štefan Tarkovič (former Slovakia manager)

• Steve Kean (former Blackburn Rovers manager)

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🔹 Xavi’s Illustrious Career

Xavi, one of the most decorated players and managers in world football, recently stepped down as FC Barcelona’s head coach after leading the club to the 2022–23 La Liga title and the 2023 Supercopa de España. As a player, he won:

• 5 La Liga titles

• 3 Copa del Rey trophies

• 3 UEFA Champions League titles

• 2 continental trebles (2008–09 and 2014–15)

• 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2008 & 2012 with Spain

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⚠️ The Fallout

The episode has raised serious questions about transparency and credibility within the AIFF. If proven to be a deliberate move to attract attention, the federation’s claim could significantly damage its reputation internationally — especially at a time when Indian football is striving for global respectability.

For now, Xavi’s camp has remained silent — but the denial from figures like Romano and Correas suggests the AIFF’s claim may have been little more than wishful thinking or a publicity stunt gone wrong.