Xavi Applies for India Head Coach Role, AIFF Rejects Over High Cost
- Xavi Hernandez submitted an application for the Indian national team head coach role via email, surprising the AIFF.
- His application was rejected due to high financial demands, despite his strong coaching and playing credentials.
- Xavi has shown past interest in Indian football, citing the presence of Spanish coaches in the country.
In a surprising development, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) received an application from football legend Xavi Hernandez for the position of head coach of the Indian national team. According to a report by The Times of India, Xavi’s name featured alongside former India coach Stephen Constantine, ex-Liverpool player Harry Kewell, and Indian football veteran Khalid Jamil in the long list of interested candidates.
Xavi, who recently stepped down as the head coach of FC Barcelona after leading them to the 2022–23 La Liga title and the 2023 Supercopa de España, submitted his application via email. However, unlike others, his contact number was missing from the application.
AIFF’s national team director Subrata Paul confirmed the development, stating, “It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF”.
Despite the buzz his name created, Xavi's candidacy has reportedly been rejected due to financial constraints. A member of the AIFF technical committee was quoted saying, “Even if Xavi was genuinely interested in Indian football and could be convinced to take up the job, we would need a lot of money”.
Xavi has previously expressed an interest in Indian football, acknowledging the influence of Spanish coaches in the country. Known for his visionary passing and exceptional midfield control, Xavi is a La Masia product who spent most of his playing career at Barcelona, clocking 767 matches and forming a legendary trio with Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
During his time at Barça, he won eight La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and four UEFA Champions League titles, including two trebles. He ended his playing career at Al Sadd in Qatar, where he later transitioned to coaching. Internationally, he won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro titles in 2008 and 2012.
