Panaji: India's women's national football team coach Crispin Chettri and his entire support staff will continue in their roles. This decision comes despite the recent appointment of Costa Rican coach Amelia Valverde as a mentor for the upcoming AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026.
AIFF's Strategic Move for World Cup Qualification
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made this clear to Chettri during recent discussions. The federation explained that bringing in Valverde represents a strategic move to strengthen the coaching setup. They emphasized that no current staff members would lose their positions because of this addition.
India has successfully qualified for the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 1 to March 21 across three Australian cities. Twelve teams will participate, and eight of those teams will earn a spot in the expanded FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Keeping National Interest Paramount
AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan communicated the federation's position in an email to Chettri earlier this week. He stated that the team is now very close to achieving World Cup qualification. Such an achievement could dramatically transform the landscape of women's football across India.
Satyanarayan acknowledged the AIFF faces financial challenges due to a lack of a commercial partner. However, he stressed that the federation's commitment remains firm to the principle of putting the nation first. He affirmed that nothing is greater than the cause of advancing Indian football on the global stage.
Valverde's Impressive Track Record
Amelia Valverde brings significant experience to the Indian team. She coached the Costa Rican national women's team for eight years. During her tenure, she successfully guided Costa Rica to two FIFA Women's World Cup appearances in 2015 and 2023.
After her national team role, Valverde continued her coaching career with Mexican club Monterrey. There, she achieved notable success by winning back-to-back championships, showcasing her tactical expertise.
Unified Coaching Team for a Common Goal
AIFF technical director Sabir Pasha also held talks with Crispin Chettri. Following these discussions, Chettri expressed his full cooperation. He said he is willing to offer any assistance needed to enhance India's chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Valverde will join the national team during their camp in Turkey. She will be accompanied by a specialized goalkeeping coach and a strength and conditioning coach. Current Indian staff members Mario Aguiar and Cheston Pinto, who handle these specific roles, will continue their work alongside the new foreign contingent.
The AIFF's plan is clear. They aim to strengthen the team by providing additional, highly qualified support staff with World Cup-level experience. Satyanarayan reiterated that the entire coaching group is now working together as one connected unit. They share a single, unified goal: securing India's historic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup.
