AthleteWiki
Live
WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Reacts to Son Avery's Impressive Spiral Tap MoveSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty suffers shock defeat in Commonwealth Games finalSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty wins bronze at Commonwealth Games but breaks down ...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Gives Hopeful Advice to Wrestlers Rejected in WWE T...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles reveals indie stars he handpicked for WWE tryouts a...CHESSFirouzja Alireza Firouzja Breaks Free in Grand Chess Tour Croatia BlitzWRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Reacts to Son Avery's Impressive Spiral Tap MoveSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty suffers shock defeat in Commonwealth Games finalSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty wins bronze at Commonwealth Games but breaks down ...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Gives Hopeful Advice to Wrestlers Rejected in WWE T...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles reveals indie stars he handpicked for WWE tryouts a...CHESSFirouzja Alireza Firouzja Breaks Free in Grand Chess Tour Croatia Blitz

Xavi Rejects India Coach Job Amid Salary Dispute

2026-06-23 · Xavi · Player Focus

Xavi Rejects India Coach Job Amid Salary Dispute

Xavi Hernandez was not considered for the India head coach job due to a salary dispute, according to the All India Football Federation. The AIFF claimed Xavi's application was rejected due to financial constraints, but this was denied by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What happened?

The AIFF reportedly could not afford Xavi's salary, leading to the rejection of his application. But Romano stated that no talks took place between Xavi and the AIFF, contradicting the AIFF's claim. Xavi's salary at Al Sadd and FC Barcelona was cited as a reason for the AIFF's decision.

Why it matters for Xavi

Xavi had previously expressed interest in the Indian Super League, citing the presence of Spanish coaches. He won five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and three Champions League titles as a player. The AIFF's decision has sparked anger among Indian fans, who took to social media to express their frustration.

What comes next?

National team director Subrata Paul suggested that Xavi's name was on the list of candidates, but this was disputed by Romano. Other candidates for the job include Stephen Constantine, Harry Kewell, and Steve Kean. Xavi's future plans are unclear, but he has stated that he follows the Indian Super League due to the presence of Spanish coaches. The Indian football team will continue their search for a new head coach, with the AIFF facing criticism for their handling of the situation. And the controversy surrounding Xavi's application has highlighted the challenges facing Indian football. But the AIFF must now move forward and find a suitable candidate for the head coach role. So the search continues, with Indian fans eagerly awaiting the appointment of a new coach. The AIFF has a lot of work to do to restore their reputation and find a coach who can lead the team to success. Xavi's name was used to boost the profile of the role, according to journalist Ferran Correas. The AIFF's actions have been questioned, with many wondering why they claimed Xavi was in talks for the job. The situation has been clarified by Romano, but the damage has already been done. The Indian football team will hope to put this controversy behind them and focus on their upcoming fixtures.

More Xavi news →