Manolo Marquez India Head Coach; Controversy Follows - Bhutia Resigns From Technical Committee (Image: FC Goa)

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Spaniard Manolo Marquez, current FC Goa manager, as the head coach of the Indian men’s national team. Manolo Marquez, who had managed many clubs from Spain, Croatia and Thailand before his stint with Hyderabad and Goa ISL sides, is succeeding Croatian manager Igor Stimac, who was fired last month after Indian football team failed to qualify for the third round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The decision to appoint Manolo Marquez, however, sparked controversy as legendary footballer Bhaichung Bhutia resigned from the AIFF technical committee, alleging that the committee was bypassed in the selection process.

Manolo Marquez India Head Coach; Controversy Follows: Key Points

1. The AIFF executive committee, led by President Kalyan Chaubey, appointed Manolo Marquez as the head coach of the Indian men’s national team, effective immediately.
2. Marquez, currently the head coach of FC Goa, will handle both roles concurrently for the 2024-25 season before fully transitioning to the national team.
3. Bhutia announced his resignation from the AIFF technical committee, claiming the panel was bypassed in the decision to appoint Marquez.
4. Traditionally, the technical committee, headed by IM Vijayan, shortlists candidates and recommends the head coach, a process Bhutia said was ignored this time.
5. Bhutia, a former chairman of the technical committee, emphasized that no meetings were held to discuss candidates or shortlist applicants for the head coach position.
6. The AIFF President expressed delight at Marquez’s appointment and thanked FC Goa for their cooperation in allowing him to take on the dual role.
7. Marquez, who has been coaching in India since 2020, expressed his honor at being appointed and his commitment to bringing success to Indian football.
8. The Spaniard has an extensive coaching career in India, having coached Hyderabad FC and FC Goa, and won the ISL Cup with Hyderabad FC in the 2021-22 season.
9. The AIFF also appointed Anilkumar Prabhakaran as the new Secretary General, subject to internal protocols and induction procedures.
10. Marquez has been coaching in India since 2020. He has coached two ISL clubs – his first stint was with Hyderabad FC (2020-23), before he switched over to FC Goa (2023-present). He is an ISL Cup winner with Hyderabad FC in 2021-22. Overall, Marquez had an extensive coaching career in Spain – Las Palmas (top division) and Las Palmas B, Espanyol B, Badalona, Prat, Europa (third division).