AIFF not to extend Amelia Valverde's contract

PANAJI: After finishing the AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign without a point in Australia, the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) technical committee has now recommended a domestic coach.

Chaired by former India captain IM Vijayan, the technical committee has asked the federation not to offer a contract extension to Amelia Valverde, given the “disappointing performances” at the Asian Cup, where India lost all three group-stage games, including a 11-0 drubbing against Japan.

According to sources, the committee has recommended Anthony Andrews (East Bengal) and Crispin Chettri, former coach of the national team, for the top job.

“We expected more from Valverde,” a member of the technical committee told TOI after its meeting on Tuesday. “She was brought in specifically to help India at the Asian Cup. But the performance was disappointing. ” Even if Valverde had got the nod from the technical committee, it would have been difficult to convince the Costa Rican to continue without a pay hike. She was also in favour of a long-term contract, according to sources.

Valverde, took Costa Rica twice to the FIFA World Cup.