Bibiano Fernandes is set to return to the India youth setup, with the former U-17 coach reportedly accepting the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) offer to take charge of the U-15 national team. His appointment comes as India prepares for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan later this year.
According to a report by Times of India, Bibiano has agreed to the role after the concerns around the proposed coaching structure were addressed. The AIFF technical committee had identified him as its preferred candidate, with the federation’s executive approving his appointment as head coach last week.
The initial arrangement had raised eyebrows, with Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj getting the nod as team manager. Bibiano was understood to have concerns over the possibility of interference, while Bajaj had earlier indicated that he would be willing to take up the manager’s role if Bibiano decided against accepting the coaching position.
With Bibiano now reportedly ready to take charge, however, Bajaj is unlikely to accept a role that would largely be administrative. The responsibilities of the coach and manager have since been clearly defined, with Bibiano expected to have control over footballing matters.
BIBIANO BACK IN YOUTH SETUP
Bibiano’s return gives India a coach with a strong track record at the youth level. The former India midfielder guided the country to three successive AFC U-16/17 Asian Cups between 2018 and 2023 and also oversaw the memorable 2-1 win over Iran that helped India qualify for this year’s championship.
The AIFF has now separated the footballing and administrative responsibilities of the two positions. Bibiano will be responsible for coaching and player selection, while the manager’s role is expected to focus on logistics and other administrative duties.
That arrangement could allow the coach to work without the concerns that had initially surrounded the appointment.
Bajaj, meanwhile, has built one of India’s most successful youth football programmes through Minerva Academy, which has won trophies at both domestic and international level. His presentation to the AIFF technical committee reportedly included an ambitious plan to help India reach the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
INDIA FACE NEW WORLD CUP FORMAT
The FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will be a first-of-its-kind tournament, bringing 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 can register 14 players, including up to two goalkeepers.
For India, the tournament will offer a major international platform for its youngest national-team players. With Bibiano now set to lead the footballing side, the focus can finally shift towards preparing the team for its first appearance at the new-age FIFA event.
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