Overview

• AIFF statement confirmed emails claiming to be from Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola were not genuine after investigations traced one to a 19-year-old student’s prank.
• The AIFF’s Technical Committee reviewed 170 applications, narrowing the field first to 10 and then to three finalists.
• Shortlisted candidates include former India coach Stephen Constantine, European veteran Stefan Tarkovic and domestic stalwart Khalid Jamil.
• The head coach role became vacant following Manolo Marquez’s departure after back-to-back defeats and a nine-year low in FIFA rankings.
• The executive committee’s pending decision will set leadership for key Asian Cup qualifiers that will shape India’s strategy for long-term development.