AIFF's ultimatum to coach Igor Stimac; Take team to Asian Cup quarterfinals or face the axe

"The performance target is to be top-eight in the competition. If that target is achieved, then automatically the contract will be extended to another competition whichever is the priority for AIFF," he added. Given the national team's historical success in the continental competition, it is clear that AIFF does not intend to work with Stimac past the Asia Cup. Otherwise, an objective like this wouldn't have been set.

Although the bar set for the previous World Champion of Croatia may appear a little high, Prabhakaran said that it was "the technical committee's decision and is endorsed by the executive committee." India, captained by Sunil Chhetri, qualified for the tournament for the sixth time overall by winning group D in the third round. They qualified for the Asian Cup earlier this year for the first time ever.

India, coached by Stimac, will travel to Vietnam on Tuesday for two friendlies against Singapore and the host nation, which will take place on September 24 and 27, respectively. When asked if the former teammate of Davor Suker and Zvonimir Boban would accept such a contract, Prabhakaran responded: "We don't want to disturb him now, his focus should be on the team. Let him come back, then we will have a discussion with him."