Big blow to India in the semi-finals of SAFF Championship, coach Igor Stimac banned for two matches
The Indian football team has suffered a major setback even before taking the field in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship. In this match against Lebanon, the Indian team will have to take the field without their coach. Indian football team head coach Igor Stimac has been banned for two matches.
In the match played against Kuwait, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the Indian team was dealt a double whammy. Indian team coach Igor Stimac has been banned for two matches for arguing with match officials. He has been fined about 41 thousand rupees (500 US dollars). Igor has been banned for two matches on Friday itself. On the other hand, the Indian team has a semi-final match against Lebanon on Saturday, in which the team will take the field without a coach.
Cards shown in SAFF Championship
Igor Stimac has been shown cards for several bouts during the SAFF Championship. Earlier on June 21, a red card was shown in India’s opening match against Pakistan. However, at that time the matter was not presented before the disciplinary committee of SAIF. At that time it was believed that his crime was not very serious.
However, Igor Stimac was penalized in the match played against Nepal on 24 June, due to which he had to sit out the match. After this, on 27 June, he was shown the red card again in the match against Kuwait. After being shown the cards for this match, his case was also presented before the disciplinary committee of SAIF. In this, finding Igor guilty, action was said to be taken against him.
The committee then handed down severe punishment to the Croatian coach. In this regard, SAIF General Secretary Anwarul Haque says that Igor Stimac has been banned for two matches. He must also pay a fine of $500. Let us tell you that after this Stimac will be banned from India’s semi-final match against Lebanon on Saturday. Even if the Indian team makes it to the final after winning the semi-finals, the coach will not be present in the dug out. Assistant coach Mahesh Gawli will replace him for this match.
