AIFF looking for Adam’s replacement

According to sources, the new coach will be named within a few days after Adam is officially relieved of the job.

According to news emanating from the AIFF, Nicolai Adam will be leaving shortly after “settling terms” with the AIFF and the Sports Authority of India, which are involved in his appointment.

The All India Football Federation has stepped up the search for a new head coach before the controversy surrounding Nicolai Adam could derail the country’s preparations for the Under-17 World Cup, which is barely eight months away. According to news emanating from the national Federation, Adam will be leaving shortly after “settling terms” with the AIFF and the Sports Authority of India, which are involved in his appointment.

The allegations levelled by the players of the under-17 World Cup team, which has been training under the German coach since April 2015, are serious, “involving racial and physical abuse.” The AIFF has firmly stood its ground about the removal of the coach, with the Sports Ministry later conforming the former’s stand after learning about the seriousness of the allegations, said a Federation functionary.

The AIFF, in search of the new head coach, has already started reaching out to a fresh set of aspirants, who will continue without disturbing much of the coaching methods and philosophy instilled by Adam. According to the sources, the new coach will be named within a few days after Adam is officially relieved of the job. It is learnt that the national Federation would be opting for someone who is well abreast of the Indian conditions as that will help him quickly settle with the team.