Crispin Chettri is likely to be reappointed as head coach of the Indian women’s team

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is likely to reappoint Crispin Chettri as head coach of the Indian senior team ahead of April’s international friendly.

The AIFF Technical Committee has met twice in recent weeks to determine the women’s team coach, with last week’s meeting confirming there was no extension for Amelia Valverde, who was only appointed until the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

After the final encounter, four names remained in the fray: Anthony Andrews, Maymol Rocky, Bembem Devi and Crispin, which ultimately came down to three.

To choose the head coach, a meeting was convened on Saturday where the former Odisha Women’s coach was recommended for a possible return to the helm.

«The Technical Committee has insisted on an Indian coach. Ideally, to know the players well, it helps if the coach has spent at least six months with the players,» said a source. Sports stars.

Crispin had steered India to its first-ever Asian Cup qualification on merit, beating higher-ranked Thailand. However, instead of a promotion (an extension), he was demoted as assistant coach under new head coach Amelia just six weeks before the tournament.

«It seemed very unfair to my coaching staff and me. But having said that, if the results had been like that under me, I would have regretted it too,» Crispin had said. Sports stars earlier.

«Then there would have been a perception that if we had had someone else (in charge), the outcome might have been different. So I think it was right to bring her, but it could have happened a little bit earlier.»

Crispin’s first order of business upon return will be a tour to Kenya, where India will host, followed by a tour to Australia or Malawi. The second is part of the FIFA Women’s Series, scheduled between April 11 and 15.

India will enter the tournament as the second seed, with Asian Cup runners-up Matildas the clear favorites to win the title.

It will also be India’s first tournament since the 2026 AFC Asian Cup where they lost to Vietnam, Japan and Chinese Taipei and exited the tournament in the group stage.

Published on April 4, 2026