Kolkata : Costa Rican Amelia Valverde is likely to join the India team for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup as mentor, sources in AIFF have said. Valverde, 39, was Costa Rica’s head coach in the 2015 and 2023 World Cup finals. She is likely to bring a goalkeepers’ coach and a strength and conditioning coach and join the squad in Turkey where India will play three practice matches against clubs from Europe between January 18-24.
AIFF has got India head coach Crispin Chhetri’s consent on the possible appointments, a federation official said on Wednesday. The AIFF’s technical committee has okayed the proposal, the official said.
“The idea is not to undermine Crispin. He will continue to coach the side and AIFF acknowledges and appreciates his effort, and that of the team, in qualifying for the Asian Cup finals for the first time on merit,” said the official requesting anonymity given the sensitive nature of the issue.
“Since this is a first for Crispin and the players, AIFF thought the team could do with the experience of someone who has been part of two World Cup campaigns. Given her experience, her inputs from the bench and off the pitch could help.
“AIFF is in deep financial stress because it does not have a commercial partner but that should not come in the way of doing what we think is the best for the national team, especially because they are a few steps away from the 2027 World Cup,” the official said.
The top six in the Asian Cup will qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. If India can qualify from the group and make the quarter-finals, they will be eligible for the inter-continental play-offs. India (67) are the lowest ranked team In the group that also has Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei.
It will have to be seen how this plays out. If the roles are not defined and there is no clear line of communication between the mentor and the head coach, an addition to the staff barely a month-and-a-half before the finals could backfire.
AIFF is not looking beyond the Asian Cup finals in Australia but Valverde and her staff could be used for other teams, the official said.
In 2023, Costa Rica lost 0-2 to Japan, 0-3 to reigning world champions Spain and 1-3 to Zambia. In 2015, Costa Rica drew with South Korea 2-2, 1-1 with Spain and lost 0-1 to Brazil.
According to sources, Valverde’s experience at the highest level, achievements, and communication skills convinced the AIFF that she can inspire the national team to a better performance on the continental stage. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 — scheduled to take place across three cities from March 1 to 21 – will see 12 teams competing for top honours with up to eight spots on offer for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
“The women’s team has a chance of qualification to the World Cup and it’s important to do whatever it takes to help the footballers,” a senior official told TOI on Wednesday. “Eight of the twelve teams who qualify for the quarterfinals will be in fray for a historic World Cup spot. India have been placed in a decent group and qualification is not out of reach.”
Ranked lowest in the group at 67, India have been drawn with Japan (world No 7), Vietnam (37), and Chinese Taipei (42).
Valverde’s appointment will be a setback for coach Crispin Chhetri, who masterminded India’s qualification campaign which included a stunning win against World Cuppers Thailand. “Crispin will continue with the team,” said another official.
Valverde’s short-term contract will be till the end of India’s campaign at the Asian Cup.
With Valverde as coach, Costa Rica have won gold (2017) and silver (2018) at the Central American Games and bronze in the 2019 Pan American Games, besides finishing fourth at the 2022 CONCACAF Championship to qualify for the World Cup.
