India, July 26 -- The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has confirmed that the much-discussed coaching application from Spanish legend Xavi Hernandez was a hoax, while also revealing it had received a similar application from a person claiming to be renowned Spanish manager Pep Guardiola. In an official statement released following its technical committee meeting, the federation acknowledged that it had received applications purportedly from the two iconic managers but could not verify their authenticity.

"Additionally, the AIFF received an email furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the email appli...