New Delhi: Under-fire India U-17 football coach Nicolai Adam and the All India Football Federation mutually agreed to end their association on Tuesday after the German’s postion became untenable following complaints of physical abuse to players.
Adam took charge in April, 2015, and leaves nine months ahead of the U-17 World Cup, to be played in India, in October. “We are grateful to Nicolai for his services towards development of the Indian U-17 national team and wish him all the best for his future endeavours,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.
-“The process of selecting a new national coach for the U-17 national team has already been initiated. We shall appoint a replacement very soon and also hope to get the desired results.”
India embarrassingly finished at the bottom of a 16-team preparatory tournament in Russia recently and following the team’s return the players complained to AIFF president Praful Patel, accusing Adam and his deputy Etibar Nizami Ibrahimov of “physical abuse”.
The AIFF initially denied the reports and Adam put up a strong front even under the scanner. The AIFF summoned technical committee chairman Baichung Bhutia to mediate a breakthrough with the players, who complained en masse against the behaviour of the head coaches.
Following their refusal to budge from their stance even after Bhutia’s attempted mediation, the nature of the allegations forced the AIFF to take notice. The rebellious players, who refused to play under Adam, forced the AIFF to work out a contract severance package for Adam. Details of the termination weren’t disclosed.
Adam wished the team well for the future. “I am grateful to AIFF for giving me the opportunity to serve as coach of the Indian U-17 national team. I wish all the bright young talent the very best,” he said.
