The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that coaching job applications from Xavi Hernández and Pep Guardiola were fake. According to Reuters, the emails were found to be fraudulent, having no impact on the real selection process.
AIFF has shortlisted three genuine candidates, including former India football coach Stephen Constantine, as fans flooded social media with reactions to the bizarre twist.
AIFF Says Xavi and Guardiola Never Applied for India Job
In a surprising turn of events, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially confirmed that the recent coaching applications said to be from Spanish football icons Xavi Hernández and Pep Guardiola were completely fake.
According to a report by Reuters, the AIFF received emails that claimed to be from the two global stars, expressing interest in becoming the next India football coach. But after investigating the source of these applications, the federation found they were hoaxes. Neither Xavi, who left Barcelona in mid-2024, nor Guardiola, who is still managing Manchester City, had anything to do with these emails.
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The AIFF clarified that these fake applications had no effect on the official selection process. Out of 170 real applicants, the AIFF has now shortlisted three genuine candidates: former India coach Stephen Constantine, Indian football figure Khalid Jamil, and former Slovakia coach Stefan Tarkovic.
Fans Lose It Online After Fake Coach News
As soon as the news broke, football fans across India and the world took to social media with a mix of laughter, sarcasm, and disbelief.
Fabrizio Romano posted, “🚨❌ Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernández and Indian Federation. 🇮🇳”
🚨❌ Despite recent reports, zero talks took place between Xavi Hernández and Indian Federation. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Ae5boa0FKP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2025
One user jokingly commented, “Seems like a government employee job vacancy.”
Seems like a government employee job vacancy
— Ngawang Tashi ⭐⭐ (@cfcngata) July 26, 2025
Real Search for the Next India Coach is On
Behind all the online buzz, the AIFF continues its serious work to find a new India football coach after Manolo Marquez’s step down.
His exit followed a difficult stint where India won just one out of eight matches. With big qualifiers on the horizon, including the AFC Asian Cup, the AIFF wants someone who understands Indian football and can bring real progress.
The final list of three candidates seems grounded and realistic, and the AIFF has stressed it will appoint an India football coach based on experience, fit, and commitment to the national team’s long-term growth.
Amit Mishra’s Take
Let’s be honest, the whole thing was entertaining. The idea of Xavi or Pep casually applying for the India football coach job does sound fun. But it also shows a deeper issue.
In a time when fake emails and AI-generated content can fool even big organizations, sports bodies like the AIFF need stronger checks and better communication. Maintaining the transparency and integrity of the coach hiring process is equally as important as identifying frauds.
Fans like us deserve better than chaos and confusion. I hope that this was just an error and that the next India football coach would actually contribute to the growth of Indian football.
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