AIFF Backs Amelia Valverde To Stay On As Indian Women's Team Boss - Report

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 23:00 IST

AIFF backs coach Amelia Valverde after India’s Asian Cup exit, saying the dressing room needed her experience while defending the team’s “extensive” 67-day preparation.

Despite India’s early exit from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has thrown its support behind head coach Amelia Valverde, insisting the decision to appoint her shortly before the tournament was the right call.

Technical director Sabir Pasha said the team needed someone with Valverde’s pedigree in the dressing room.

“As you all know, Amelia brings valuable experience, having coached Costa Rica to the World Cup in 2015 and 2023," Pasha said. “The dressing room needs someone who has operated at that level before, and I believe her experience has helped the girls immensely."

Valverde’s appointment came less than two months before the tournament, raising eyebrows at the time.  But AIFF officials maintain her international experience made her the ideal figure to guide a young squad stepping onto a bigger stage.

“Preparation Was Quite Extensive"

Meanwhile, AIFF’s director of national teams, Subrata Paul, defended the team’s build-up to the tournament, describing it as “quite extensive."

India, making their first-ever qualification for the final round of the tournament on merit, endured a tough campaign in Australia. The side finished bottom of Group C after defeats to the Vietnam Women’s National Football Team (1-2), the Japan Women’s National Football Team (0-11) and the Chinese Taipei Women’s National Football Team (1-3).

However, Paul said the team had undergone nearly two months of overseas exposure before the competition.

“The Indian team spent around 48 days overseas, playing six matches in Turkey and two in Australia. Before that, they spent six days in Dubai and had a 13-day camp in Shillong," he explained.

“In total, the players prepared for around 67 days, playing 13 international matches and roughly 17 club matches as well."

Signs of Promise Despite Results

Despite the disappointing results, AIFF officials believe the team showed encouraging signs.

“We were hopeful that they would qualify for the World Cup this time," Paul said.

“The girls played extremely well. We could have won against Chinese Taipei and even drawn against Vietnam. This team certainly had the merit to progress to the next round."

(with PTI inputs)

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