Stephen Constantine Warns of Decline in Indian Football and Calls for Major Changes
Former coach of the Indian football team, Stephen Constantine, has raised alarm bells over the current state of Indian football, describing it as being in “free-fall.” Speaking from Rwanda, where he is coaching the national team, he emphasized the urgent need for significant reforms within the sport in India. Constantine believes the national team must first establish dominance in South Asia before aspiring for a spot in the FIFA World Cup.
In a recent interview, Constantine shared his disappointment at not being considered for a third term as coach of India. He has dedicated seven years to the national team and feels a personal connection to its progress. He remarked, “I should have been in India, but I’m not.”
Having previously led India to its highest FIFA ranking in over twenty years, Constantine pointed out that the issues facing Indian football extend well beyond the senior team and require long-term solutions. He criticized the current structure, saying, “There are many problems. Senior players shouldn’t decide everything about the national team. We need a robust league system, including promotion and relegation, and a focus on youth development. Indian coaches need to be nurtured as well.”
Constantine also took issue with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for not ensuring stability after its agreement with the Indian Super League ended. He argued there was more to be done to maintain that important relationship.
His Application for the Coach Position
Recently, Constantine was among those considered for the Indian coaching position before Khalid Jamil was appointed as the first full-time Indian head coach in over a decade. While respectful of Jamil’s appointment, Constantine questioned his lack of international experience, suggesting that aspiring Indian coaches should first gain experience with junior teams before stepping into senior roles.
“I was shortlisted for the Indian job this time. They chose Khalid Jamil, which is fine, but he doesn’t have any experience in international football,” Constantine said. “If you want an Indian coach, then develop him with the Under-23s or Under-20s first.”
Constantine remains a celebrated figure in Indian football, having led the team to significant achievements, including the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and lifting India’s FIFA ranking from 171 to 96 during his second tenure from 2015 to 2019.
Focus on Regional Success First
Addressing the topic of World Cup aspirations, Constantine emphasized that the team’s bigger priority should be to consistently achieve success in their region before thinking globally. “When I returned to India, the question was how we could qualify for the World Cup. I replied that we weren’t even dominating the SAFF region yet.”
He stressed, “At this moment, Indian football is struggling. Before even thinking about the World Cup, we must regularly qualify for the Asian Cup and dominate South Asia. Without achieving those milestones, World Cup qualification won’t happen, even if there are 100 teams.”
Constantine also critiqued the decision to schedule friendlies against New Zealand, arguing that facing stronger Asian teams would offer the experience needed to improve. “Playing New Zealand doesn’t prepare us for the challenges we will face in the Asian Cup, SAFF Championship, or World Cup qualifiers. We should be aiming for matches against teams like Saudi Arabia or Japan for meaningful experience.”
In conclusion, Constantine advocates for serious reform and a realistic approach to the future of Indian football.
