Xavi Hernandez was never in the running for the Indian football head coach job, despite claims from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) that he had applied.
The AIFF recently stated that Xavi's application was rejected due to financial issues, but sources close to the player have denied this.
What happened?
The AIFF claimed that Xavi's application was emailed to them, but this has been disputed by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who stated that there were "zero talks" between Xavi and the AIFF.
Xavi has been successful as the head coach of Barcelona, leading them to the 2023 Supercopa de Espana and 2022-23 La Liga title.
Why it matters for Xavi
The rumors surrounding Xavi's application for the Indian football head coach job have been misleading, with sources suggesting that the AIFF used his name to boost the profile of the role.
As a player, Xavi won the UEFA Euro in 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and has also won five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey titles, and three Champions League trophies with Barcelona.
What comes next?
The AIFF will continue their search for a new head coach, with other candidates including ex-India coach Stephen Constantine, Liverpool legend Harry Kewell, and former Blackburn manager Steve Kean.
Xavi will likely remain focused on his current role as head coach of Barcelona, where he has achieved significant success.
The Indian football team will be looking to improve their performance under new management, with the AIFF seeking a coach who can lead them to success in international competitions.
And the controversy surrounding the AIFF's claims about Xavi's application will likely continue to be a topic of discussion in the football world.
But for now, Xavi remains committed to his role at Barcelona, where he has become an integral part of the team's success.
So the search for a new head coach for the Indian football team will continue, with the AIFF looking for a candidate who can bring success to the team.