Archive · 8 Aug 2026
Ranjit Bajaj Reconsiders India U-15 Role, Seeks Full Control
Mr. Bajaj runs a famous football academy in India called Minerva Academy.
He was chosen to manage India's under-15 team for a big young-players tournament called the FIFA U-15 World Cup.
The tournament will be held in Azerbaijan in October.
At first, Bajaj said he would not take the job.
He thought the way the team was organized did not make sense.
Another coach was chosen too, and Bajaj worried that having two different plans would confuse the players.
That other coach, Mr. Fernandes, also decided not to take the job.
After learning that, Bajaj changed his mind and said he is now ready to help.
But he wants to be given full control of the team so his careful training plans can work.
Now the football federation has to decide what to do next.
Ranjit Bajaj, Minerva Academy FC owner, was appointed manager of India's U-15 team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 in Azerbaijan.
Bajaj initially rejected the arrangement, calling the proposed setup 'makes no sense at all' and saying combining setups would be 'as good as guaranteed failure for my nation.'
The appointment was made alongside Bibiano Fernandes, who was named head coach but reportedly also declined the role over similar concerns.
Bajaj has now reversed course, saying he is ready to take the job if the AIFF gives him complete control and authority to lead the team according to his vision.
Bajaj reaffirmed his commitment to the national team and cited India's long-term ambitions of qualifying for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and performing strongly at the 2036 Olympics.
- Who
- Ranjit Bajaj, owner of Minerva Academy FC, appointed manager of India's U-15 team; Bibiano Fernandes was named head coach but reportedly declined the role.
- What
- Bajaj initially rejected the appointment, then reversed course, saying he is ready to take charge if the AIFF gives him complete control of the team.
- When
- Ahead of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup, scheduled for October.
- Where
- India; the FIFA U-15 World Cup is to be held in Azerbaijan.
- Why
- Bajaj cited concerns over differing footballing philosophies and feared combining his preparation systems with the existing coaching structure could compromise India's chances at the tournament.
Bajaj's Stand
AIFF's Arrangement
Team Management Control
Bajaj's Stand
Bajaj says the proposed shared setup 'makes no sense at all,' and that combining his world-class preparation systems with the existing coaching structure would be 'as good as guaranteed failure'; he will accept the job only if given complete control of the team.
AIFF's Arrangement
The AIFF appointed Bajaj as manager alongside Bibiano Fernandes as head coach, a structure featuring reportedly contrasting footballing philosophies that the federation must now resolve ahead of the tournament.
- Protagonist
- Ranjit Bajaj, Minerva Academy FC owner
- Appointment
- Manager of India's U-15 national team
- Head Coach
- Bibiano Fernandes, who reportedly also declined the role
- Tournament
- Inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
- Host Nation
- Azerbaijan
- Tournament Timing
- October
- Governing Body
- All India Football Federation (AIFF)
- Bajaj's Condition
- Full control of the team
