Overview
- The All India Football Federation’s Executive Committee approved Ranjit Bajaj as team manager and offered Bibiano Fernandes the head coach role in a decision announced on Thursday, August 6.
- Hours after the public announcement, Bajaj said he was not informed beforehand and declined the manager role, citing poor communication and irreconcilable differences in playing philosophy with Fernandes.
- Multiple outlets report Fernandes has not yet received a formal written offer and is awaiting official communication before deciding whether to accept the head coach post.
- After reports that Fernandes had also declined, Bajaj said he would be willing to lead the team only if given sole charge, while AIFF sources say the federation will back Fernandes with his usual staff if Bajaj formally rejects the job.
- The unresolved staffing matter matters because the FIFA U‑15 World Cup & Festival in October limits each national contingent to 20 people, compresses scouting and camp time, and highlights governance and communication weaknesses in India’s youth setup that could affect player preparation and long‑term development.