'India's footballing calendar is being adjusted to IPL, this needs to stop,' claims head coach Igor Stimac | OneFootball

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90min

·20 June 2022

'India's footballing calendar is being adjusted to IPL, this needs to stop,' claims head coach Igor Stimac

Article image:'India's footballing calendar is being adjusted to IPL, this needs to stop,' claims head coach Igor Stimac

India national team head coach, Igor Stimac has hit out at the scheduling of the domestic season in the country, claiming that the footballing calendar is being "adjusted with regards to the Indian Premier League (IPL)".

Stimac recently lead the Blue Tigers to 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification after his side produced dominant displays in the qualifiers, beating Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong as India qualified for the continental event for the first time in successive editions.


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The Croatian while elated that his side qualified for the Asian Cup, was not happy with the scheduling of the football domestic season.

“Things need to be sorted out about the football calendar, which is still being adjusted with regards to IPL and broadcasting… This needs to stop if we want to make football great in India. Football calendar should not depend on other things," he said in an interview.

"India is blessed to have a sport as popular as cricket but shouldn’t be afraid to have another sport becoming as popular. And to do so, they need to open the door to football. Otherwise, it will not happen. Football shouldn’t suffer because of cricket," Stimac added.

While the players are enjoying a much deserved break after their exploits in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers - Stimac will now need to ensure that his side are fit and firing come the main tournament.

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