Ranjit Bajaj Rejects India U-15 Manager Role Amid AIFF Row

Football administrator Ranjit Bajaj has officially declined the appointment as team manager for the India U-15 side, citing deep frustration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF). This decision follows his surprise appointment just two months ahead of the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival scheduled in Azerbaijan. Bajaj publicly criticized the federation for incompetence, signaling a major breakdown in communication between the AIFF leadership and key stakeholders regarding the development project.

The selection process for the Under-15 squad has been marked by internal confusion and administrative friction. While the AIFF has moved forward by approving Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach for the squad, the rejection by Bajaj leaves a significant gap in the management team. Industry observers note that the project faced challenges from its inception, exacerbated by poor coordination between the federation and the individuals tasked with overseeing the team's preparation.

The immediate focus for the AIFF now shifts to stabilizing the team's management structure before the international tournament begins. With the squad expected to represent India on a global stage, the fallout from this personnel crisis raises concerns about the quality of preparation provided to the players. The federation is currently revisiting internal strategies, including pending decisions on the status of Jamshedpur FC's involvement in the program. Close monitoring of the AIFF's next administrative moves is essential to determine if the U-15 project can recover in time for the upcoming global fixtures.