Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Student Claims Xavi, Pep Applications Were a Prank on Indian Football
Someone played a prank on the Indian football federation (AIFF).
A student pretended to be famous soccer coach Xavi Hernandez and sent a fake email saying he wanted to be the coach of India's team.
The AIFF initially believed it, but it turned out to be a trick.
The AIFF has since confirmed the application was not real, along with a similar one from Pep Guardiola.
Now, India's football team is looking for a new coach.
A student admitted to sending a fake application email from Xavi Hernandez to the AIFF.
The AIFF initially stated they received an application from Xavi Hernandez.
The student used a fake email and ChatGPT to create the application.
The AIFF confirmed the applications from Xavi and Pep Guardiola were not genuine.
The Indian football team is currently without a manager.
- Who
- A student from VIT Vellore, the AIFF, Xavi Hernandez (impersonated), Pep Guardiola (impersonated)
- What
- A student admitted to sending fake applications from Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola for the Indian national team coach position.
- When
- The student sent the fake emails on July 4th and 5th. The AIFF made their statement on Saturday.
- Where
- India
- Why
- The reason for the fake applications was not stated.
Initial Reports
AIFF Clarification
Application Authenticity
Initial Reports
Xavi and Guardiola applied for the coaching position.
AIFF Clarification
The applications from Xavi and Guardiola were not genuine.
- Applicants (Impersonated)
- Xavi Hernandez and Pep Guardiola
- Role Applied For
- Head Coach of the Indian Men's National Football Team
- Impersonator
- VIT Vellore Student
- Fake Email Used
- [email protected]
- Indian Team FIFA Ranking
- 133
Sources
All India Football Federation Turns Down Barcelona Legend Xavi Hernandez's Application For Coaching Role, Due To Financial Implications: Report
'False Alarm?': AIFF Faked Xavi's Head Coach Application To Boost Profile, Claim Reports
Teenager ‘fools’ AIFF, pretends to be Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez to apply for India’s football coach position
Applications From Xavi Hernandez And Pep Guardiola For India Coach's Job Not Genuine: AIFF
Did Xavi, Pep really apply for India head coach job?
