Indian football coach Koevermans' contract extended

The All India Football Federation on Wednesday extended the contract of national team head coach Wim Koevermans by four months till October next year.

The decision to extend Koevermans' contract was taken at a meeting of the AIFF Executive Committee in New Delhi on the recommendations of the Technical Committee.

Koevermans, who took charge in July last year for a two-year stint, will be given charge of the national team till the end of 2014 Asian Games (September 19 to October 4) in Incheon, South Korea.

The Executive Committee also approved another recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, headed by former captain Bhaichung Bhutia, to extend the contract of national team Technical Director Rob Baan by one year.

"As per the recommendation of AIFF Technical Committee which met earlier this month, the contract of National Coach Wim Koevermans and Technical Director Robert Baan was extended," the AIFF said in a statement after the Executive Committee meeting chaired by its president Praful Patel.

"Koevermans' contract was extended till October 2014. Besides the national team, Koevermans will also be in charge on India's campaign in 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Furthermore, Technical Director Robert Baan's contract was extended by a year," it said.

The Executive Committee also re-appointed its General Secretary Kushal Das for a second term of another three years.

Das, who had served as Chief Financial Officer of the ICC and International Management Group (IMG) India, was appointed as AIFF General Secretary in November 2010.

The AIFF said its Annual General Body Meeting will be held on December 20. A Special General Body Meeting will also be held on the same day for the proposed changes in AIFF Constitution.

Patel congratulated the national team for their fine show in the two back-to-back international friendlies against Philippines and Nepal in Siliguri.

"I congratulate the players, coach Wim Koevermans and the support staff for their effort. The results create a positive environment for Indian football in the future," Patel said.

India drew with Philippines 1-1 in their international friendly match on November 16 and defeated Nepal 2-1 on Tuesday.

The Executive Committee also congratulated captain Sunil Chhetri for becoming the highest-ever Indian goalscorer in the match against Nepal. Chhetri went past former captain Bhaichung Bhutia with his 43rd goal against Nepal.

"I wish him all the luck and hope he scores many more for the cause of the nation," Patel said.