Crispin set to return as women’s national team coach

Panaji: A little over two months after being asked to step aside to make way for a foreign coach at the AFC Asian Cup 2026, Crispin Chettri is set to return as head coach of the women’s national team.

In its first meeting after the Asian Cup, the All India Football Federation’s technical committee led by former India captain IM Vijayan suggested that Amelia Valverde’s contract should not be extended. The Costa Rican was brought in specifically to guide India at the continental showpiece in Australia where eight FIFA World Cup spots were on offer.

India exited without a point from three group-stage games, and the technical committee, in its latest meeting, felt it was best to revert to a domestic coach for the next two assignments: FIFA Series in Kenya and the SAFF Women’s Championship.

“Crispin was a natural choice since he has already been in-charge of the national team,” a technical committee member told TOI on Saturday. “There were options, but we could not look beyond Crispin since there’s little time for any experiment.”

Crispin is understood to have edged out East Bengal Anthony Andrews and India U-20 women's team head coach Joakim Alexandersson for the coaching assignment.

“Crispin has already agreed to take up the job. It was made clear that his role will be till the conclusion of the SAFF Championship in May-June. A decision on a long-term appointment will be taken later,” said the official.

Crispin had steered India to its first-ever Asian Cup qualification on merit, edging past higher-ranked Thailand at home. Six weeks before the tournament, he was relegated to the assistant coach’s role with AIFF opting for the experienced Valverde, who guided Costa Rica twice to the World Cup.

Crispin’s first assignment will be the FIFA Series in Kenya where the hosts welcome Australia and India from Asia, along with fellow Confederation of African Football (CAF) side Malawi. Kenya will face India after Australia play Malawi on April 11. The third-place playoff and the final will be played four days later.

The SAFF Women’s Championship will be held in Goa next month.