Indian FA reveals job applications from Pep Guardiola and former Barcelona manager Xavi were a HOAX, after team director was tricked by fake emails

The Indian Football Association has revealed it was duped by fake emails claiming to be from football royalty Pep Guardiola and Xavi, who were said to have applied to become the country's next national team coach.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) confirmed in a statement that the applications, which had reportedly come via email, were not genuine.

'The AIFF received an email furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez,' a statement said. 'The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the email applications were not genuine.'

Earlier this week, the AIFF's national team director had told the Times of India that Xavi's name had appeared among the applicants – with a technical committee member claiming he was considered too expensive to pursue.

It has now emerged that Guardiola's name was also fraudulently included.

Xavi is currently unemployed after leaving his role as Barcelona boss in May, while Guardiola remains under contract with Manchester City until 2027. Neither has ever managed a national team, although Guardiola has previously expressed interest.

'A national team. I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that,' Guardiola said last year.

'I don't know who would want me! To work for a national team they have to want you, just like a club.'

India are searching for a replacement for Manolo Márquez, who was sacked this month after a brief stint and has returned to his former club FC Goa.

The national side are currently ranked 133rd in the world and were knocked out in the second round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The AIFF confirmed it had received 170 applications for the vacant role, narrowing them to a shortlist of 10 before selecting three final candidates.

'Given the immediate needs of the national team, it is advisable to recommend three coaches from the shortlisted pool for final consideration,' the AIFF said.

'Other prominent applicants, many of whom are highly qualified international coaches, will be taken into account for long-term strategic roles in the future.'

According to the Times of India, the three candidates being considered are former India manager Stephen Constantine, ex-Slovakia boss Stefan Tarkovic, and Indian football stalwart Khalid Jamil.

India have never competed at a men's FIFA World Cup, although they did qualify for the 1950 tournament in Brazil before later withdrawing.