AIFF decides against extending Amelia Valverde’s contract after Asian Cup disappointment

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced on Wednesday that Amelia Valverde’s contract as the Indian women’s football team head coach will not be extended.

The 39-year-old Costa Rican manager Amelia Valverde was handed charge of the national team in January. Her first major assignment was the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which was held in Australia earlier this month.

Appearing in the continental showpiece after more than two decades, India endured a disappointing campaign Down Under and exited the tournament after finishing the group stage without a win.

The Blue Tigresses suffered a 2-1 heartbreak to Vietnam in their group opener after conceding a late goal. They were then subjected to an 11-0 drubbing by eventual champions Japan before closing their campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Chinese Taipei.

Following the string of underpar results, the AIFF has decided to end its association with Valverde.

The AIFF Technical Committee, chaired by Indian football legend IM Vijayan, also recommended considering Indian coaches as possible options to take over as the head coach of the senior Indian women’s national team.

The Indian women’s football team will play in the FIFA Series 2026 in Kenya next during the upcoming April FIFA international window.

They will be up against the hosts on April 11 in the first semi-final and could play Australia or Malawi in either the final or the third-place playoff on April 15.

Following that, the Blue Tigresses will be in action at the SAFF Women’s Championship in June.

READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/amelia-valverde-contract-indian-women-football-team-coach-no-extension