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The AIFF got 170 applications for the men’s national team head coach, including Khalid Jamil, Sanjoy Sen, Antonio Lopez Habas, Antonio Rueda, and Stephen Constantine.
(Credit: AIFF Media)
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has received at least 170 applications for the vacant position of men’s national team head coach during the 10-day window that closed on July 13.
The list of applicants includes several Indian and foreign names, notably Khalid Jamil, Sanjoy Sen, Antonio Lopez Habas, Antonio Rueda, and Stephen Constantine, the Englishman who is eyeing a third stint in the role.
Vacancy Opened After Marquez’s Exit
The AIFF officially opened applications on July 4, two days after accepting Manolo Marquez’s resignation during its Executive Committee meeting on July 2.
Though Marquez had expressed his desire to step down in April, he was requested to stay on until India’s AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10.
India lost that match 1-0, concluding Marquez’s one-year tenure with a disappointing record—no competitive wins in eight games and just one victory in a friendly. Under his leadership, India also fell to 133rd in the FIFA rankings.
Drop in High-Profile Applicants
When Marquez was appointed in July 2024, the AIFF had received 291 applications, including several high-profile candidates.
This time, however, the pool lacks marquee names, likely due to the opening arising mid-season, making it harder to attract top-level coaches currently under contract.
The incoming coach will inherit a side bottom of their Asian Cup qualifying group, with the first competitive match scheduled against Singapore on October 9.
In its job description, the AIFF sought candidates with 10-15 years of experience at the elite youth and senior level. However, budgetary constraints may push the federation toward selecting a domestic coach.
Khalid and Sanjoy the Leading Indian Candidates
Among Indian options, Khalid Jamil and Sanjoy Sen are being seriously considered. Khalid’s name was actively discussed during the AIFF Executive Committee meeting.
In May, Khalid declined an offer to take charge of the India U-23 team, citing a two-year contract extension with Jamshedpur FC.
Sanjoy Sen, who applied for the head coach position last time as well, led Bengal to a record 33rd Santosh Trophy title last year, strengthening his case.
The AIFF’s technical committee is reportedly leaning toward appointing an Indian, recognizing that only Khalid and Sanjoy meet the federation’s eligibility criteria and coaching profile.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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