The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that job applications purportedly from former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola for the role of India head coach were hoaxes.
The AIFF stated on Saturday that an email containing applications from the two Spanish coaches was received, but their authenticity could not be verified and has since been found to be false. Earlier reports had claimed Xavi's application was among those submitted for the vacant position.
The Indian FA is searching for a replacement for Manolo Marquez, who left the role this month to return to Indian Super League side FC Goa. The AIFF technical committee reviewed 170 applications, shortlisting three unnamed candidates for final consideration, with an appointment expected before the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers this autumn.
According to the Times of India, the three shortlisted candidates are former India international Khalid Jamil, twice former India manager Stephen Constantine, and former Slovakia manager Stefan Tarkovic. The AIFF added that other highly qualified international applicants would be considered for long-term strategic roles.
India, ranked 133rd in the world, were eliminated from World Cup 2026 qualifying in the second round and sacked previous coach Igor Stimac in June last year.
