SAFF Championshipa: India coach Stimac to serve just one-match ban, to return at helm against Kuwait

Coach of the Indian football team Igor Stimac who was handed a red card during India's clash against Pakistan in the ongoing SAFF Championship will only serve a one-match ban.

Stimac will return to the dug-out for team's match versus Kuwait.

South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) General Secretary Anwarul Huq told PTI that Stimac's offence was not serious enough to attract a ban of more than one match and as such it will not be referred to the SAFF Disciplinary Committee for further action.

On June 21, hosts India were playing Pakistan in Bengaluru and during the game, Stimac interfered when the opposition's Abdullah Iqbal was ready to make a throw-in.

He tried to pull back the ball from the player, sparking wild reactions from some Pakistani players as well as some coaching staff.

The referee Prajwal Chhetri and other match officials had to intervene to separate the intensely sparring individuals.

As the scuffle was brought under control referee Chhetri showed red card to Stimac, as per the football rules, for interrupting with the actions of an opposition player deliberately.

Former India player Mahesh Gawli will take charge of the Indian side during their match versus Nepal on June 24 before Stimac returns for the last group match against Kuwait.