Fake Job Applications Claiming to Be Guardiola and Xavi Target Indian National Team Amid Coaching Search
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently became the target of a prank when it received fake coaching applications supposedly from renowned Spanish managers Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The incident came to light after AIFF officials revealed that these emails were submitted as part of the ongoing search for a new head coach for the Indian national team. One technical committee member even dismissed Xavi’s candidacy prematurely over potential salary concerns, unaware that the application was not genuine.
AIFF later issued a formal clarification stating that the emails, sent under false identities, were confirmed to be hoaxes after a verification process. Reports identified a 19-year-old as the prankster behind the fake applications, using an obviously unofficial email address. Although the situation momentarily caused confusion within the federation, it was quickly handled, and AIFF emphasized that the prank did not disrupt their recruitment process.
India’s national team has been without a permanent head coach since parting ways with Spaniard Manolo Marquez in early July. Marquez has since returned to club management in the Indian Super League with FC Goa. In response to the vacancy, AIFF has received around 170 coaching applications and has now narrowed the pool down to three final candidates: Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Stefan Tarkovic.
With an important match against Singapore scheduled for October 9 in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, AIFF is under pressure to finalize its decision. The governing body aims to appoint a new head coach soon to ensure the national team is well-prepared for its next competitive fixtures.
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