Ranjit Bajaj criticises AIFF over India U-15 coaching appointment process
In an explosive video on August 11, 2026, Minerva owner Ranjit Bajaj accused the All India Football Federation and deputy secretary general M. Satyanarayan of poor communication and mishandling the appointment process for the India U-15 coaching roles. He specifically questioned the decision to pair him with Bibiano Fernandes and the sequence of events that followed the federation's offers.
The controversy centres on how responsibilities were to be divided: Bajaj was appointed team manager while Bibiano was named head coach, a combination that had already prompted questions about operational overlap. Reports indicated Bibiano was uneasy about potential interference in the setup; Bajaj has said he was prepared to assume the managerial role if Bibiano declined. After initial reports that Bibiano had rejected the post and Bajaj accepted, Bajaj says the situation reversed when Bibiano later agreed to take the coaching role, leaving Bajaj uncertain about his own status.
Bajaj used the video to outline what he called miscommunication from the AIFF and Satyanarayan, saying he had been told he could bring his own staff and that Bibiano was not taking the position. "I was told that you wanted to appoint me with my team. Satyanarayan ji told me that very clearly at the AIFF office. I didn't say it; he told me." He also questioned why he was interviewed by the Technical Committee, noting that the panel normally assesses coaches rather than administrative appointments. "After that, I was told that I would have an interview with the Technical Committee. The Technical Committee conducts interviews for coaches, not administrative positions. As far as I know, the Technical Committee has never interviewed anyone for a manager's position before. So why did they interview me?"
Describing the content of that interview, Bajaj said the panel asked about his coaching approach and vision. "And when they interviewed me, they asked about my coaching style, my vision and my philosophy. I explained everything to them, and all of them are former internationals." He said the AIFF then sent him a letter conveying that Bibiano had declined and that Bajaj should take charge, and that he agreed to step in to avoid harming the country's interests. "Then you sent me a letter," said Bajaj. "You even told me, Mr Bibiano said no, you can take over. I said, 'No problem. I will take over immediately because I don't want to sabotage my own country. He can be there and I can be there, even if we have differing views." "You said, 'no, please take over. Accept it,' and I accepted it."
Bajaj criticised the federation's apparent decision to pre-select players for the U-15 World Cup while he said he had proposed an 85-day scouting plan covering 790 districts to identify talent nationwide. "I would have found the best boys who have never even played in the I-League. Why? Because they could be the best. Just because someone has played in the I-League or has not come through the top academies doesn't mean they cannot be better." He added concerns about selecting from a narrow pool: "We select players from the top eight sides only. But there is one good kid in every team. Just because his team loses doesn't mean that player isn't good." "Why don't you give those players an opportunity? Why do you select boys from only eight teams?" "I wanted to travel all over the country during the month of August. I gave you the entire plan, but you did nothing about it," said Bajaj.
On the duties he was assigned, Bajaj said the role he was handed was administrative and limited to team logistics and daily reporting. "The very next day, you said, here are your roles and responsibilities: booking tickets, looking after the boys, maintaining discipline, being in charge of their meals, and giving us a report every day." He criticised that scope: "Do you really think this is why I applied for the job? Shame on you, man." He concluded with a warning to the federation: "And the next generation will never forgive you. They will never forgive you. I know you called me because of the pressure, but the next generation will never forgive you," said Bajaj. The clip was shared by Ranjit Bajaj (@ranjitbajaj).
It remains to be seen how AIFF will respond to the latest statement from Bajaj on social media.
