Concerns Rise Over Indian Women's Football Team's AFC Asian Cup Performance and Coaching Decisions

The Indian women's football team's disappointing performance in the AFC Asian Cup, where they conceded 16 goals, has sparked significant concern among AIFF members. With calls for an inquiry into the team's preparation and coaching decisions, Valanka Alemao has raised critical questions about the appointment of coach Amelia Valverde. As the AIFF considers extending her contract, many believe accountability is necessary following such a dismal showing. The team's logistical issues and inadequate practice matches have also come under scrutiny, prompting discussions on how to better support future generations of players. Read on to discover the full story behind this controversy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 22:14 IST

Disappointing AFC Asian Cup Results Spark Controversy

The Indian women's football team's poor performance in the AFC Asian Cup, where they conceded a staggering 16 goals, has raised eyebrows among members of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Despite the team's disappointing results, the AIFF's technical committee, led by IM Vijayan and including notable figures like Shabbir Ali and Climax Lawrence, is set to meet on Tuesday to discuss the potential extension of coach Amelia Valverde's contract.

India faced defeats in all their group matches, losing 1-2 to Vietnam, 1-3 to Chinese Taipei, and suffering a heavy 0-11 loss to Japan, the eventual champions.

Valanka Alemao, chairperson of the AIFF Women’s Football Committee, has called for a thorough investigation into the team's inadequate preparations. She has raised several concerns and urged AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey to convene an executive committee meeting to address the situation and establish accountability.

In her letter to Chaubey, Valanka questioned the decision-making process behind appointing Valverde and her assistants just six weeks before the tournament, sidelining Crispin Chhetri. She expressed her concerns about the lack of a proper candidate selection process and the timing of the appointments.

Another committee member expressed frustration, stating that extending Valverde's contract should not even be considered after such poor results. "We should have demanded her resignation instead of contemplating an extension. Who thinks of extending a contract after conceding 16 goals?" he remarked.

The Indian team's preparations were further hampered by logistical issues, including receiving ill-fitting kits and having to source replacements from Australia. Valanka highlighted the inadequate practice matches against weaker teams and the last-minute coaching change as significant factors in the team's failure.

She also questioned the rationale behind arranging friendly matches against subpar opposition, noting that the team only played three international friendlies, including one against Iran and two against Nepal. Valanka criticized the decision to send the team to Turkey instead of China for training, as originally planned.

Valanka emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "Those responsible for these blunders that have brought shame to our nation must be held accountable. Furthermore, with our Under-17 and Under-20 teams qualifying for their respective Asian tournaments, we must ensure that the younger players do not face the same challenges as the senior team."