New Delhi: AIFF Executive Committee discusses Brazil friendly and FIFA ASEAN Cup participation
The All India Football Federation‘s (AIFF) Executive Committee convened at Football House in New Delhi on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the meeting addressed several key football matters, including India’s international fixture schedule and domestic league preparations.
A significant decision from the meeting confirmed India‘s participation in two upcoming international events. These include a men’s international friendly against five-time FIFA World champions Brazil, set for Kolkata on October 3, 2026, and the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, scheduled from September 24 to October 3, 2026. The Executive Committee views the match against Brazil, occurring during the FIFA International Match Window, as a valuable chance for Indian players to gain exposure against a top international team. The AIFF plans to inform FIFA that India will participate in both competitions by deploying separate squads.
However, there were discussions regarding the prioritisation of these events. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia advocated for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, citing its competitive value and the presence of higher-ranked teams such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. He also noted the potential for prize money and participation fees associated with the tournament. Bhutia also highlighted that the friendly against Brazil would incur costs for the AIFF, which is operating without the annual fee from FSDL following the expiration of their contract in December 2025.
India, currently ranked 138th globally, is grouped with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in the FIFA ASEAN Cup, where only the group winner progresses. AIFF Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan informed the Executive Committee that FIFA declined India‘s request to send a second-string team to the inaugural tournament. Despite this, the majority of the AIFF Executive Committee reportedly favours prioritising the match against Brazil.
Domestic Football and Youth Development
The Executive Committee also reviewed the preparations for the Indian Super League 2026-27 season, which is operating under a new club-led commercial model. Updates were provided on the operational planning progress by both the participating clubs and the federation. Jamshedpur FC has been granted an extension until August 12, 2026, to reconsider a decision.
Regarding youth football, 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 appointment is for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as the team manager for the squad, which will consist of 20 members, comprising six staff and 14 players, as per tournament regulations.
Tournament Formats and Compliance
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 about competitive opportunities and player development under the proposed format. The Competitions Committee has been asked to revise its proposal for future seasons, meaning no changes will be implemented for the 2026-27 season for these tournaments.
The AIFF‘s budget for the period of June 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, was also approved by the Executive Committee. Additionally, the AIFF Secretariat informed the committee about notifications from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, regarding 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
