AIFF Rejected Xavi: The Full Story
Date and Context
On July 25, 2025, news broke across football circles: the All India Football Federation (AIFF) rejected Xavi Hernandez as a candidate for the Indian men’s national team’s head coach position. Xavi, the Barcelona and Spain legend, had apparently shocked many by applying for the post after Manolo Marquez stepped down earlier in the month.
Why Did AIFF Reject Xavi?
Financial Constraints:
The main reason cited for the rejection was the potentially high cost associated with hiring a coach of Xavi’s stature. Members of the AIFF technical committee, upon seeing his application among over 170 received, reportedly felt his salary would be far beyond what Indian football could afford.
Committee Decisions:
Instead of moving forward with Xavi, the AIFF technical committee decided to focus on practical options with more manageable financial demands. Names like Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Stefan Tarkovic have been shortlisted for the role.
Reactions from the Football World
Surprise and Disappointment:
Fans and pundits voiced disbelief that a figure as decorated as Xavi was dismissed, especially given India’s search for progress on the big stage. Social media erupted with both support for Xavi and criticism of the decision, with some saying the move showcased India’s limited commitment to elevating its football.
AIFF’s Defense:
Officials stood by their decision, pointing to the need for financial prudence and the immense challenges of accommodating a high-profile figure like Xavi—not just in terms of salary, but infrastructure and footballing culture as well.
What Xavi’s Application Means
Signal of Global Interest:
Xavi’s bold step to apply for the Indian coaching job highlights India’s emerging appeal in global football, even if hurdles remain.
Lost Opportunity?
While some call this a missed opportunity, others argue that structural and financial limitations would make a real impact impossible, even for someone of Xavi’s caliber.
Keywords Recap
- Aiff rejected Xavi date and time: July 25, 2025
- Aiff rejected Xavi blog post content: The AIFF turned down Barcelona legend Xavi’s application for the national team head coach job due to high salary demands and practical constraints.
Final Thoughts
The story of "AIFF rejected Xavi" is a case study in ambitions meeting reality. It’s a reminder of India’s footballing challenges, the allure it can have for legends—and the tough choices administrators face.