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Sacked prematurely, former India men's football team's coach Igor Stimac on June 18 threatened to file a lawsuit against All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the FIFA Tribunal if his dues are not cleared within next 10 days.
Stimac accused AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey of breaching his contract. The decision to terminate services came after India failed to qualify for the third round of FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. The 56-year-old further claimed that his health was severely affected during the stint.
"I kindly ask you to immediately, but not later in next ten (10) days, organize payment to me for this termination of the contract without just cause in the amount which will represent a residual value of my employment contract that was prematurely terminated from AIFF side...," Stimac said.
"This amount should represent the remaining value of my employment contract prematurely terminated by the AIFF, in accordance with Article 6 of Annex 2 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.
"Otherwise, I will start proceedings against the AIFF before the competent FIFA Football Tribunal and file a lawsuit,' he added.
No ‘just cause’ for termination?
Stimac's contract was terminated a year before it was meant to expire. The Croat also said that the AIFF did not provide "just cause" for terminating his services.
"Publishing something like this (his termination) prior to reaching the conversation with me is blatantly unprofessional and unethical," Stimac said.
AIFF needs to pay the entirety of his remaining contract value i.e. Rs 6 crore as the severance clause is missing from the new contract he signed on October 5, 2023.
Stimac’s serious accusations
Stimac went on to point out that Chaubey changed his official players list, cancelling his press conference and changing his public statement given to AIFF media.
"President Mr Chaubey together with SAI (Sports Authority of India) officials changed my official players list for the Asian Games adding three senior players and allowing ISL clubs to decide which players will represent the country at the Asian Games," Stimac lashed out at Chaubey.
"The way you organised the travel for our team going to China and back was unforgettable."
Dealing with AIFF affects Stimac’s health
Stimac also said that dealing with AIFF has taken a major toll on his health in last couple of years.
"Hereby I am adding my lawyer Mr Radic to take over our communication because I don't want to speak or hear from AIFF anymore because AIFF has caused me enough health problems with its acts against me in the past two years.
"Your 'show cause notice' and 'final warning letter' did stop me from speaking the truth to Indian fans and it did give me two stents just prior to the AFC Asian Cup but didn't stop me (from) giving it all to my team and fighting with my boys for the country,’ he further added.
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