India football team coach Igor Stimac’s future in the hot seat will be decided once the new elected body of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) takes charge. This was told to the Croat during a meeting with the Committee of Administrators on Friday. The Fifa-AFC joint team delegation has set a September 15 deadline to complete the election and Stimac’s contract ends in September too.

Stimac took charge of the Indian team in May 2019 before being handed a one-year extension in 2021.

“The CoA has told him that it would be prudent to wait till the elected body takes charge. Anyway, after the September international matches, the next Fifa window is in March next year. So we will like him to wait for some time,” a source said.

The CoA, along with acting general secretary Sunando Dhar, had a meeting with the national coach and three senior players — captain Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan — for the first time since taking charge.

It has been learnt that the three senior players have also spoken about continuity.

In a series of tweets after the meeting, Stimac reiterated his plans for September’s international friendlies for the national team and longer camps next year ahead of the Asian Cup final round.

“I am thankful to them (CoA) for their support to understand that the NT (national team) needs to be the focus now. Needing proper camp which is minimum 2 weeks in September in Kerala. 2 international friendlies & 1 practice game with KBFC (Kerala Blasters).

“Similar plans in March 2023 but a bit longer camp. Discussed many other points including the development plans. Wishing the COA best of luck in accomplishing the mission & FIFA timelines,” he tweeted.

India qualified for Asian Cup final round last month.