Kolkata: All India Football federation (AIFF) on Thursday announced that India will play the international friendly against Brazil on October 3 as well as take part in the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, set from September 24 to October 3. The football body said that two separate squads will be announced for the Brazil match as well as the ASEAN Cup.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey chaired the meeting, which was attended by Treasurer Kipa Ajay, Deputy Secretary General M Satyanarayan, along with members Lalnghinglova Hmar, Menla Ethenpa, Mohan Lal, Neibou Sekhose, Syed Husnain Naqvi, Syed Imtiaz Hussain, Deepak Sharma, Valanka Alemao, Vijay Bali, Thongam Tababi Devi, Shabbir Ali, Bhaichung Bhutia, and Climax Lawrence.
“One of the principal decisions taken during the meeting was to confirm India’s participation in both — the men’s international friendly against five-time FIFA World champions Brazil, scheduled to be played in Kolkata on October 3, 2026, and the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia from September 24 to October 3, 2026,” AIFF said in a statement after an executive committee meeting in Delhi on Thursday.
“The Executive Committee recognised the match against Brazil, to be played during the FIFA International Match Window, as a unique opportunity to provide Indian players with invaluable exposure against one of the world’s strongest footballing nations. Accordingly, the AIFF will formally notify FIFA that India will participate in both competitions by fielding separate squads for the match against Brazil and the FIFA ASEAN Cup,” it added.
AIFF gives Jamshedpur FC until Aug 12 to reconsider ISL pullout
AIFF also extended the deadline for Jamshedpur FC to reconsider its decision to pull out of the Indian Super League (ISL), giving the Tata Steel-owned club time until August 12 to review its stand. The decision was taken at the AIFF Executive Committee meeting here, where members reviewed preparations for the upcoming ISL season, beginning September 4, following the adoption of the new club-led commercial model.
“The AIFF will allow additional time to Jamshedpur FC to reconsider its decision, with an extended deadline until August 12, 2026,” the federation said in a statement after the Executive Committee meeting. “The Executive Committee also reviewed preparations for the Indian Super League 2026-27 season following the adoption of the new club-led commercial model. Members were updated on the progress made by the participating clubs and the federation in operational planning for the season,” the AIFF added.
On July 31, Jamshedpur FC announced pulling out of the ISL, just hours after missing the deadline for payment of participation fee for the upcoming season, beginning September 4.
Ranjit Bajaj appointed as Manager and Bibiano Fernandes as Head Coach of U15 Indian team for U15 FIFA World Cup –
On the recommendation of the AIFF Technical Committee, the Executive Committee approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach of the India U15 men’s national team, subject to his acceptance, for the inaugural edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival, scheduled for October in Azerbaijan. Ranjit Bajaj was approved as the team manager. As per the regulations of the tournament, 20 members — six staff and 14 players — can be part of the team’s contingent.
Revamped format for Santosh Trophy –
The Competition Committee’s proposal for a revamped three-tier format for the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy was not approved by the Executive Committee, citing concerns over competitive opportunities and player development. The Competitions Committee has been requested to revisit the proposed format and submit a revised proposal for consideration by the Executive Committee for implementation in future seasons. Accordingly, no changes will be made to the format of the Santosh Trophy and the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy for the 2026-27 season.
The Executive Committee also approved AIFF’s budget for 2026-27 (June 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027).
The AIFF Secretariat apprised the Executive Committee of various notifications received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, regarding the adoption of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the Rules made thereunder to ensure compliance with the new regulatory framework. Accordingly, the Member Associations whose elections are due during the current year have been requested to fulfil the compliance requirements no later than October 20, 2026.
