‘Football Will Never Grow in India’ – Fans React After AIFF Rejects Barcelona Legend Xavi’s Application

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has turned down the opportunity to appoint Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi as head coach. 

AIFF is on the lookout for a head coach for the India National Football Team and is now accepting applications. Former India manager Stephen Constantine, ex-Liverpool player Harry Kewell, and India’s Khalid Jamil have applied for the position.

In a surprising turn of events, former Barcelona manager Xavi also threw his hat into the ring.

He has been without a job since Barcelona sacked him last summer. He was linked with the Manchester United job after Erik ten Hag was sacked, with AI also predicting the appointment, but the move did not pan out.

AIFF Rejects Xavi for India Head Coach Position

Xavi applied for the job from his personal email ID. However, unlike other applicants, he left his contact number column empty.

In an interview with the Times of India, AIFF’s national team director Subrata Paul said:

“It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.”

India, however, did not entertain the idea, as AIFF would not be able to bear the finances.

🚨| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Barça legend Xavi had applied for the job of head coach of the Indian National Team, but they turned down the opportunity as they couldn't afford the financial terms of the deal. It was beyond their reach. [@MarcusMergulhao] #fcblive 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BXcdb4yQGe

— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) July 25, 2025

A technical member of the committee said:

“Even if Xavi was genuinely interested in Indian football and could be convinced to take up the job, we would need a lot of money.”

Xavi, the most high-profile name on the list by far, has a proven track record at the highest level. His immediate rejection has infuriated fans, with many fearing football will not grow in India.

India Fans Furious After Xavi Snub

@barca_10boy wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“They rejected Xavi coz of funds. Football will never grow in India. Do they even realize who Xavi is?”

😂😂😂 they rejected Xavi coz of funds. Football will never grow in India. Do they even realize who Xavi is?

— LM10 (@barca_10boy) July 25, 2025

@Mukul_SkuD believes signing Xavi would have been huge for India.

“Unbelievable. To have someone of Xavi’s pedigree would have been invaluable for Indian football.”

Unbelievable. To have someone of Xavi’s pedigree would have been invaluable for Indian football.

— Mukul Sharma (@Mukul_SkuD) July 25, 2025

@cinemawaleghosh blamed AIFF for failing to use the opportunity to create buzz around Indian football.

He wrote:

“Lack of funds to refuse someone is a valid reason. But the point is, was due diligence followed? A player and coach of Xavi’s stature — I am assuming the email was genuine — wouldn’t have stated his price. AIFF just assumed it would be too high. But at least he could have been shortlisted, asked to come. The whole process would have created a buzz and sparked widespread interest in Indian football. AIFF’s response betrays an absence of imagination.”

Lack of funds to refuse someone is a valid reason. But the point is, was due diligence followed? A player and coach of Xavi’s stature — I am assuming the email was genuine — wouldn’t have stated his price. AIFF just assumed it would be too high. But at least he could have been…

— Avijit Ghosh (@cinemawaleghosh) July 25, 2025

@DoctorLFC believes AIFF could have used Xavi’s stature to secure sponsorships, which would have helped with his salary.

If you do not have the budget to appoint Xavi and his team, you use the fact that Xavi is going to coach the Indian national team in order to raise those funds via sponsorship etc. It could end up giving the sport a much needed boost in the country. Not a great decision. pic.twitter.com/tTkC1oXuLY

— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) July 25, 2025

An Indian football fan account, @AllIndiaFtbl, said fans would have crowdfunded Xavi’s lofty salary.

“Lack of Funds??? AIFF rejected XAVI for the role of Indian Head coach due to lack of funds, crowdfunding hi karwalete yaara (should have done crowdfunding)”

Xavi Managerial Record

Xavi got his managerial break at Qatari side Al-Sadd in July 2019. He was at the club until Barcelona came knocking in November 2021. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winner lost his Barcelona job at the end of June in 2024.