Bibiano Fernandes to lead India U-15 as Ranjit Bajaj’s managerial role remains uncertain
Bibiano Fernandes has reportedly accepted the All India Football Federation's offer to take charge of India’s U-15 national team on August 11, 2026, as the country prepares for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan later this year. The appointment follows the AIFF technical committee identifying him as its preferred candidate and the federation's executive approving his appointment as head coach last week.
Bibiano is a former India midfielder and previously coached the U-17 side; he is regarded within the setup for his record at youth level. He guided India to three successive AFC U-16/17 Asian Cups between 2018 and 2023 and oversaw the 2-1 win over Iran that helped India qualify for this year's championship. According to a Times of India report, Bibiano agreed to the U-15 role after concerns about the proposed coaching structure were addressed.
The initial proposal had named Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj as team manager, an arrangement that provoked scrutiny. Bibiano was understood to have reservations about possible interference under the early structure, while Bajaj had signalled he would accept a manager's position only if Bibiano opted not to take the coaching job. Those dynamics were central to discussions within the AIFF technical committee and executive.
Following further clarification, the federation has separated the footballing and administrative responsibilities of the two roles. The coach is expected to hold authority over footballing matters, with Bibiano specifically tasked with coaching and player selection, while the manager's role is set to concentrate on logistics and other administrative duties. That delineation was presented as a remedy to the concerns that had delayed final agreement on the appointment.
With Bibiano reportedly ready to lead the footballing side, Bajaj is now unlikely to accept a largely administrative role. Bajaj has developed Minerva Academy into one of India's notable youth programmes, with the club having won trophies at both domestic and international levels. His presentation to the AIFF technical committee reportedly included an ambitious plan aimed at helping India reach the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is described as a first-of-its-kind tournament that will bring together all 211 FIFA member associations. The competition will be played in an eight-a-side format with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves; each team may register 14 players, including up to two goalkeepers. For India, the event represents a major international platform for its youngest national-team players.
With the coaching and managerial responsibilities now defined and Bibiano set to lead the footballing programme, attention within the AIFF can shift to preparing the squad for its first appearance at the new-age FIFA event in Azerbaijan later this year.
