AIFF Technical Director Robert Baan discharged from hospital, leaves for home

Indian national football team Technical Director Rob Baan left for home after being discharged from a hospital here, leaving a question mark on his continuation with the high-profile job.

The 69-year-old Dutchman was admitted at Bombay Hospital on Wednesday night after he collapsed while assisting national team head coach and countryman Wim Koevermans in conducting the AFC Professional licence course at the Cooperage here.

He lost consciousness and was not able to recognise people though he regained consciousness yesterday.

Baan was discharged in the afternoon and later took a flight for home in the evening.

"He was admitted for loss of consciousness though he later regained it. He was not able to recognise people familiar to him. He was discharged in the afternoon and straightaway left for home. He is stable and normal now," an AIFF official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Baan, who was appointed as technical director in 2011, is unlikely to renew his contract which ends in October.

"With his health issue, it is unlikely that he would want to extend his contract or renew it. His tenure is as good as over," the official said.

Baan is also reportedly upset that his ambitious master plan 'Lakshya 2022' -- which aims at India qualifying for 2022 World Cup -- hasn't been implemented by the AIFF since it was launched last August.

Baan had an annual package of Rs 2 crore, a part of which was paid by the Oranje Sports Forum and the AIFF.

The master plan was aimed at revolutionising the game in the country and help India qualify for the 2022 World Cup.