AIFF Executive Committee confirms ASEAN Cup entry and to field separate squads

The All India Football Federation’s Executive Committee met at the Football House in New Delhi on Thursday, August 6, 2026, and confirmed India will participate in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, 2026. The committee also discussed scheduling for an international friendly against Brazil and other federation business during the session.

The meeting was chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey and attended by Treasurer Mr Kipa Ajay, Deputy Secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan, and members Mr Lalnghinglova Hmar, Mr Menla Ethenpa, Mr Mohan Lal, Mr Neibou Sekhose, Mr Syed Husnain Naqvi, Mr Syed Imtiaz Hussain, Mr Deepak Sharma, Ms Valanka Alemao, Mr Vijay Bali, Ms Thongam Tababi Devi, Mr Shabbir Ali, Mr Bhaichung Bhutia, and Mr Climax Lawrence. The Executive Committee recognised the international friendly against five-time FIFA World champions Brazil, scheduled to be played in Kolkata on October 3, 2026, as a unique opportunity to provide Indian players with invaluable exposure during the FIFA International Match Window. On that basis the AIFF decided it will field separate squads for the Brazil friendly and the FIFA ASEAN Cup.

The committee agreed to formalise the arrangements by notifying FIFA of India’s participation in both events and the plan to deploy separate teams. The FIFA ASEAN Cup dates were confirmed as September 24 to October 3, 2026 in Indonesia, while the Brazil fixture remains scheduled for October 3 in Kolkata.

Executive members reviewed preparations for the Indian Super League 2026-27 season following the adoption of a new club-led commercial model. Members were updated on progress made by participating clubs and by the Federation in operational planning for the upcoming season.

The AIFF allowed additional time to Jamshedpur FC to reconsider its decision, granting an extended deadline until August 12, 2026. The Executive Committee approved this extension to give the club extra time to respond to the federation’s requirements.

On the recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as head coach of the India U15 men’s national team, subject to his acceptance, for the inaugural edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as team manager, and the committee noted that tournament regulations permit a contingent of 20 members — six staff and 14 players.

The Competition Committee’s proposal for a revamped three-tier format for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy was not approved by the Executive Committee, which cited concerns over competitive opportunities and player development. The Competitions Committee has been asked to revisit the proposal and submit a revised format for future consideration; accordingly, no changes will be made to the formats of the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy for the 2026-27 season.

The Executive Committee approved AIFF’s budget for 2026-27 (June 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027). The AIFF Secretariat also apprised the committee of notifications received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the Rules made thereunder, and requested that Member Associations whose elections are due this year fulfil the compliance requirements no later than October 20, 2026.

The federation will proceed to notify FIFA of India’s participation in both the FIFA ASEAN Cup and the Brazil friendly, and will implement the approved appointments and deadlines outlined by the Executive Committee.