Bibiano Fernandes is set to return to the India youth setup after accepting the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) offer to become head coach of the India U-15 men’s team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Azerbaijan later this year and will feature all 211 FIFA member associations. India will compete in a unique eight-a-side format, with matches to be played on specially designed smaller pitches.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Bibiano’s appointment had initially been surrounded by uncertainty because of concerns over the proposed coaching and management structure. The AIFF Executive Committee had approved the former India midfielder as head coach, while Minerva Academy founder Ranjit Bajaj was named team manager.
Bibiano was the preferred candidate of the AIFF Technical Committee. However, there were reportedly concerns about working alongside Bajaj, particularly over the possibility of differences in footballing philosophies and interference in sporting decisions.
Those concerns have now been addressed, paving the way for Bibiano to accept the position.
According to a report by the Times of India, the responsibilities of the head coach and manager have been clearly defined in their respective contracts. The arrangement gives Bibiano complete authority over coaching and player selection, while the manager’s responsibilities will primarily involve administrative and logistical matters.
A senior AIFF official explained that there would be no interference in footballing decisions, with the coach retaining full control over the sporting side of the team.
The clarification appears to have resolved the issue that had initially made Bibiano hesitant about taking the position. He can now begin preparations for India’s campaign at the new FIFA youth tournament.
Bajaj had raised concerns over the structure
Ranjit Bajaj’s appointment as manager had earlier generated considerable discussion. The Minerva Academy owner had initially indicated that he was not keen on accepting the role, citing differences in footballing philosophies.
Bajaj clarified that his concerns were not personal and that he had no issue working with Bibiano. Instead, he believed that having two individuals with contrasting approaches could create problems for the team if their responsibilities were not clearly separated.
He had previously highlighted the difference between a more defensive approach and an aggressive, high-pressing style of football.
Bajaj also suggested that if Bibiano did not take charge of the project, he could potentially work with the national setup.
With the AIFF now clearly defining the roles, however, the coaching structure has been streamlined. Bibiano will oversee footballing matters, including training, tactics and player selection, while the manager will focus on administrative responsibilities.
The appointment gives India an experienced youth coach ahead of an important international assignment. Bibiano previously guided India’s U-17 side to three successive AFC U-16/U-17 Asian Cup appearances between 2018 and 2023.
His return comes at a crucial stage as India prepares for a completely new tournament format. The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will provide the country’s youngest national-team players with an opportunity to compete against youth sides from across the world.
With the coaching uncertainty now resolved, Bibiano’s immediate focus will be on identifying the best available talent and preparing India for its first appearance in the tournament.
