The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has taken a significant step in preparing for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival.

The AIFF announced that the Executive Committee has approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as head coach of the India U15 men’s national team. Ranjit Bajaj has been approved as the team manager for the tournament.

“On the recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the 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 the team manager,” a statement from AIFF read on Thursday.

Fernandes, a seasoned youth coach with an extensive track record, has previously guided Indian age-group sides to multiple SAFF titles and successive qualifications for AFC Asian Cup competitions. His experience at the under-15, under-16, and under-17 levels makes him a familiar figure in Indian youth football development.

The appointment places him at the helm of a new-format event that FIFA has designed more as a festival of football than a traditional high-stakes knockout competition, featuring an 8v8 format on smaller pitches.

Ranjit Bajaj gets India U15 Role

Ranjit Bajaj, founder of Minerva Academy and owner of Delhi FC, joins the setup as team manager. Known for his intensive grassroots programmes and for producing a large number of Indian internationals through his academy system, Bajaj brings strong administrative and developmental expertise. His recent public advocacy for greater involvement in the national U15 programme had drawn considerable attention within Indian football circles.

Known for his unadulterated passion for Indian football, Bajaj is expected to play a key role in the age-group football as the Blue Colts vie for greater achievements.