New Delhi: AIFF Executive Committee confirms India’s participation in Brazil friendly and FIFA ASEAN Cup
Key Decisions from the Executive Committee 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. Attendees included Treasurer Mr Kipa Ajay, Deputy Secretary General Mr M Satyanarayan, and various other members such as 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 football events. These include a men’s international friendly against five-time FIFA World Cup champions Brazil, scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Kolkata, and the FIFA ASEAN Cup, set to take place in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, 2026. The AIFF will formally inform FIFA of India’s involvement in both competitions, planning to field separate squads for each event.
The Executive Committee recognized the match against Brazil as a unique opportunity for Indian players to gain valuable exposure against a strong footballing nation. This friendly will be played during the FIFA International Match Window. India captain Sandesh Jhingan expressed excitement about facing top-ranked opposition, viewing it as a chance to improve the team’s world ranking. Defender Akash Mishra also highlighted the potential for such a game to inspire people and encourage more youngsters to take up football, demonstrating that Indian football is progressing.
Lallianzuala Chhangte, who was recovering from a hand injury when he heard the news, initially thought it was a joke. He mentioned growing up watching football superstars like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Kaka, and Neymar, and considered the opportunity to share the pitch with Brazil truly special. He emphasized the importance of the Indian players giving their all for the country, believing that a positive result could significantly impact Indian football.
Preparations and Appointments
The Executive Committee also reviewed the preparations for the Indian Super League 2026-27 season, following the introduction of a new club-led commercial model. Updates were provided on the progress made by both the participating clubs and the Federation in operational planning for the upcoming season. Jamshedpur FC has been granted additional time, until August 12, 2026, to reconsider its decision regarding participation.
Based on the 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. This appointment is contingent on his acceptance and is for the inaugural edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. Ranjit Bajaj was also approved as the team manager. The tournament regulations permit a contingent of 20 members, comprising six staff and 14 players.
However, a proposal from the Competition Committee for a revamped three-tier format for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy was not approved. The Executive Committee cited concerns regarding competitive opportunities and player development as reasons for not adopting the proposal. Consequently, the Competitions Committee has been asked to revise its format and resubmit it for future consideration. For the 2026-27 season, no changes will be made to the format of the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy.
Financial and Regulatory Matters
The Executive Committee also gave its approval to the AIFF’s budget for the period of June 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Additionally, 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.
In light of these new regulations, Member Associations whose elections are scheduled for the current year have been requested to complete their compliance requirements by October 20, 2026.
Source: the-aiff.com
