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Reports emerged on Monday about Indian football head coach Igor Stimac, using an astrologer to make team decisions, and the news of the same has now sparked a whirlwind of debate.
Just two days before a pivotal Asian Cup qualifier match between India and Afghanistan, held in Kolkata, Igor Stimac reportedly reached out to Delhi NCR-based astrologer Bhupesh Sharma. This intriguing liaison was facilitated by a senior official from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Meanwhile, former Secretary General Kushal Das confirmed exclusively to SportsTak that he had introduced the astrologer to the head coach but played no part in the decision-making process of the head coach.
"I was discussing with the coach that one bad match and you are gone. I met these people at a particular meeting. We wanted to perform well I put that person (Bhupesh Sharma) in touch with the coach and that was completely between him and the coach. We paid for the service. I ]have never intervened or questioned the selection of the head coach," he told Sports Tak..
Consultations Before the Crucial Match
Stimac's inquiry to Sharma included insights on the probable starting eleven for a must-win match. India, plagued by injuries and a dip in form, desperately sought to stay in the race for the esteemed Asian Cup. Within a brief span, Sharma delineated his astrological readings for each player, ranging from “Good” to “not recommended for the day”. The eventual team selection seemed to mirror Sharma's astrological guidance, excluding key players predicted to have an inauspicious day.
A pattern emerges
Over a certain span of time, close to 100 messages were reportedly exchanged between Stimac, the former Croatian international, and Sharma in the period leading to India's four matches in May-June 2022. This included a friendly with Jordan and three consequential Asian Cup qualifiers.
These messages have raised eyebrows, questioning the integrity of the selection process and the implications of sharing such critical team information with an external party.
Igor Stimac's deepening reliance on astrology
Before each match, Stimac seemed to deeply consider Sharma's astrological insights, even sharing injury reports and potential substitution strategies. In a noteworthy exchange, Stimac shared birth details of players, with three having participated in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
In the run-up to a friendly against Jordan, Stimac passed on a comprehensive list of 24 squad members. Post Sharma's recommendations, the coach deliberated upon the fitness concerns of two players.
Furthermore, Sharma's astrological insights were sought to compare the fortunes of multiple attacking players before the Jordan match. Stimac's decision mirrored Sharma's advice, with a certain player only entering the game in the second half.
Reflecting on outcomes
Despite the astrological guidance, India's performance was underwhelming against Jordan. However, during the Asian Cup qualifiers held in Kolkata, Stimac and Sharma reportedly decided to meet and discuss strategies for each game. This collaborative approach appeared fruitful, as India triumphed in their matches, securing a spot in the Asian Cup.
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