New Delhi, Aug 12:
Ranjit Bajaj has launched a sharp attack on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) following the controversy over the appointment of the India U-15 coaching staff. Bajaj had been named team manager alongside Bibiano Fernandes, but the arrangement soon ran into differences over the team’s footballing vision.
Bajaj’s latest outburst, in which he reportedly accused the AIFF of failing Indian football and used strong language against its officials, has intensified an already contentious relationship. The episode is particularly significant because the federation is preparing India for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup, making clarity over roles, authority and footballing philosophy essential.
The dispute once again exposes the larger problem confronting Indian football: personalities and institutions appear to be pulling in different directions when the focus should be on developing young players. AIFF needs to communicate decisions transparently, while Bajaj’s criticisms must also translate into constructive proposals rather than another public confrontation. India’s youth football cannot afford an administrative sideshow when its next generation needs stability, professional coaching and a clear pathway to the senior national team.