AIFF offers Constantine India coach's job

Former Indian national men's football team coach Stephen Constantine was offered the top job for the second time by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Tuesday.

The AIFF in a release said it took the decision based on the recommendations of its technical committee. Constantine was also offered the top coaching post of the Under-23 men's national team.

"The All India Football Federation (AIFF), based on the recommendations of the Technical Committee, took the decision to give an offer to Mr. Stephen Constantine to become the Head Coach of the Senior Men's National Team and the U-23 Men's National Team," the release said.

"The offer will be communicated to Mr. Constantine by the AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das."

Constantine was the manager of the team from 2002 till 2005, during which they won the LG Cup in Vietnam and finished runners-up in the Afro Asian Games. He is currently the coach of the Rwanda national team.

The position was left vacant after Dutchman Wim Koevermans resigned in October following a 2-3 loss to Palestine. The Indian team are currently at its lowest ebb, lying at the 171st spot among 209 affiliated associations in the FIFA rankings.

Indian Super League (ISL) side NorthEast United FC's coach Ricky Herbert and Constantine were earlier shortlisted by the AIFF to fill up the vacant post.