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. Chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the meeting addressed several significant matters concerning Indian football. Among the attendees were Treasurer Mr Kipa Ajay, Deputy Secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan, and other committee 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 primary decision made during the session was the confirmation of India’s involvement in two upcoming international competitions. India will participate in a men’s international friendly against five-time FIFA World champions Brazil, scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kolkata. Additionally, India will compete in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, which runs from September 24 to October 3, 2026.
The Executive Committee acknowledged the match against Brazil, set to occur during the FIFA International Match Window, as a valuable chance for Indian players to gain exposure against a top-tier football nation. To facilitate participation in both events, the AIFF plans to inform FIFA that India will field distinct squads for the friendly against Brazil and the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
Preparations and Appointments
The committee also reviewed the progress for the Indian Super League 2026-27 season, which follows the implementation of a new club-led commercial model. Updates were provided on the operational planning by both the participating clubs and the Federation. Jamshedpur FC has been granted an extended deadline until August 12, 2026, to reconsider its decision regarding participation.
Following a recommendation from the AIFF Technical Committee, Bibiano Fernandes received approval to be appointed as the head coach for the India U15 men’s national team, pending his acceptance. This team is slated to compete in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan in October. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as the team manager. The tournament regulations permit a contingent of 20 members, comprising six staff and 14 players.
The Competitions Committee’s proposal for a revised three-tier format for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy was not approved by the Executive Committee. Concerns were raised regarding competitive opportunities and player development. The Competitions 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.
Broader Implications for Indian Football
Players have expressed excitement about the opportunity to face Brazil. India captain Sandesh Jhingan highlighted the desire of athletes to compete on the biggest stage against the finest opponents. He noted that such a game is a rare experience for many footballers.
Akash Mishra, a defender, emphasized the potential for a single game to inspire many, stating that a strong performance could offer hope to supporters and encourage more youngsters to engage with football, indicating a positive direction for Indian football. Lallianzuala Chhangte initially thought the news was a joke, reflecting the magnitude of playing against a team like Brazil, whose players are often considered superstars.
The Executive Committee also approved the AIFF’s budget for the period of June 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Furthermore, the AIFF Secretariat informed the committee about notifications from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, concerning the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. Member Associations with upcoming elections have been requested to meet compliance requirements by October 20, 2026.
Source: the-aiff.com
