Key Decisions from the Meeting
The All India Football Federation’s Executive Committee convened at the Football House in New Delhi on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The meeting, chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, addressed several important matters concerning Indian football. Among the attendees were Treasurer Mr Kipa Ajay, Deputy Secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan, and other members including Mr Lalnghinglova Hmar, Mr Menla Ethenpa, Mr Mohan Lal, Mr Neibou Sekhose, Mr Syed Husnain Naqvi, Mr Syed Imtiaz Hussain, Mr Deepak Sharma, Ms Valanka Alemao, Mr Vijay Bali, Ms Thongam Tababi Devi, Mr Shabbir Ali, Mr Bhaichung Bhutia, and Mr Climax Lawrence.
A significant decision made during the meeting was the confirmation of India’s participation in two international competitions. The national team will play a men’s international friendly against Brazil, scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kolkata. Additionally, India will compete in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, 2026. To manage both commitments, the AIFF plans to field separate squads for each event and will formally inform FIFA of this arrangement. The match against Brazil is seen as a valuable opportunity for Indian players to gain experience against a top-ranked footballing nation.
The Executive Committee also reviewed the preparations for the Indian Super League 2026-27 season, which will operate under a new club-led commercial model. Updates were provided on the progress made by participating clubs and the Federation in operational planning. Jamshedpur FC has been granted an extension until August 12, 2026, to reconsider its decision regarding participation.
Coaching Appointments and Tournament Formats
Following a recommendation from the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach for the India U15 men’s national team, pending his acceptance. This team is set to participate in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan in October. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as the team manager. The contingent for this tournament will comprise six staff members and 14 players.
However, a proposal from the Competition Committee for a revised three-tier format for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy was not approved. The Executive Committee expressed concerns regarding competitive opportunities and player development under the proposed format. The Competition Committee has been asked to revise its proposal and resubmit it for future seasons. Consequently, the formats for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy will remain unchanged for the 2026-27 season.
Administrative and Regulatory Updates
The Executive Committee also gave its approval to the AIFF’s budget for the period of June 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Furthermore, the AIFF Secretariat informed the committee about various notifications received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. These notifications pertain to the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and its associated rules, aimed at ensuring compliance with the new regulatory framework. Member Associations with upcoming elections this year have been requested to meet the compliance requirements by October 20, 2026.
The prospect of facing Brazil has generated considerable excitement among Indian players. India captain Sandesh Jhingan highlighted the desire to compete against the world’s best, viewing it as a unique experience. He noted that such matches offer invaluable exposure and could positively impact India’s world ranking. Defender Akash Mishra echoed this sentiment, stating that a strong performance could inspire more youngsters to engage with football and demonstrate the positive direction of Indian football. Lallianzuala Chhangte, who was recovering from a hand injury, initially found the news hard to believe, emphasizing the significance of playing against a team featuring players like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka, and Neymar. The match against Brazil is scheduled for October 3, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Source: the-aiff.com
