FILE - Barcelona's head coach Xavi Hernandez watches before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Sevilla and FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Fermin Rodriguez, File)
FILE - Barcelona's head coach Xavi Hernandez watches before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Sevilla and FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Fermin Rodriguez, File)
India’s soccer federation has dispelled speculation Xavi Hernández had applied to coach its national team, saying the job application it apparently received from the former Barcelona player was bogus.
The All India Football Federation said Saturday that it had received emailed job applications from senders claiming to be Xavi and Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, but that neither was genuine.
Indian media reported that Xavi had applied for the role.
Xavi has been without a team since being in June 2024.
Guardiola, one of the top coaches in the sport, is under contract with City through June 2027.
India is looking to replace Spanish coach Manolo Márquez after by mutual consent earlier this month following just one win in eight games, and less than a year in the job.
The federation said Saturday that it has narrowed a group of 170 applicants to three unnamed finalists.
