'Not Fair to the Players': Gouramangi Singh, Steven Dias Highlight Pitfalls of Igor Stimac Astrology Consultation Report

The report of Indian Football Team’s head coach Igor Stimac consulting astrologers over the ‘stars’ of his players during the Asia Cup qualifiers created a whirlwind due to the integrity and propriety issues the external consultation might lead to.

The source expressed that Stimac had consulted a Delhi-based astrologer, Bhupesh Sharma, ahead of the Blue Tigers’ games against Jordan, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Cambodia between May and June earlier this year.

Former Indian players Gouramangi Singh and Steven Dias gave their opinions on the controversial subject.

Gouramangi mentioned that the propriety issue that could pop up due to the sharing of confidential information with parties outside the setup was of the utmost seriousness.

“More than player selection, the bigger issue is integrity. If the astrologer was given team lists, strategies, and other confidential details then it raises issues of propriety,” Gouramangi opined.

However, the 37-year-old also said that it would be out of place to question the coach’s personal beliefs.

“We cannot impose our judgments regarding what is right and wrong on this issue, especially about someone’s beliefs. I am not aware of the background but if a coach has his personal belief, then we can’t comment on it,”

Dias, who currently coaches the reserve side of Jamshedpur FC, expressed that the selection of players on the basis of any parameter other than merit is unfair to the players.

He also spoke about how the shared data could be misused if it reached the wrong hands.

“As a coach, I could never select a team based on astrological advice. I feel it’s not fair to the players. Moreover, sharing probable XI and team strategy with someone outside of the setup is absolutely wrong. You don’t know how that information can be used against you,”

India has had a notable year in football with the Blue Tigers clinching three titles since the beginning of the season and have managed to breach the FIFA World Rankings top 100 as they were rewarded for their magnificent efforts throughout the year.