Barca legend Xavi applied to coach Indian football team, but was rejected over THIS reason

Xavi, who made over 700 appearances for Barcelona and led the club as head coach until recently, is said to have personally submitted his application via email

Panaji: In a stunning twist, Spanish football icon and former Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez reportedly applied for the role of head coach of the Indian national football team, according to a Times of India report.

Xavi, who made over 700 appearances for Barcelona and led the club as head coach until recently, is said to have personally submitted his application via email to the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Interestingly, while the email ID matched his, the application reportedly had a blank contact number field.

Confirming the development, AIFF technical committee member Henry Menezes told TOI: “It’s correct that Xavi’s name was there. The application was emailed to the AIFF.”

The revelation comes amid earlier reports that former India coach Stephen Constantine, Liverpool great Harry Kewell, ex-Blackburn manager Steve Kean, and Indian coaches Khalid Jamil, Kibu Vicuna, and Eelco Schattorie were among those who applied.

Despite Xavi's high-profile resume, including a FIFA World Cup (2010), two UEFA Euro titles (2008, 2012), eight La Liga championships, and four UEFA Champions League trophies, sources say his name was not considered for the final shortlist due to the anticipated financial cost of hiring him.

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