AIFF Executive Committee Sanctions Brazil Friendly, FIFA ASEAN Cup Participation with Split Squads, Approves U15 Coach

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Executive Committee, in a pivotal meeting held in New Delhi on August 6, 2026, took significant decisions shaping the future trajectory of Indian football. Chaired by AIFF President Shri Kalyan Chaubey, the committee confirmed India's participation in two major international engagements: an international friendly against five-time FIFA World champions Brazil, slated for October 3, 2026, in Kolkata, and the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia, scheduled from September 24 to October 3, 2026. Recognizing the invaluable exposure the Brazil friendly offers, the committee decided to field separate national squads for both competitions due to their overlapping dates. Beyond international fixtures, the Executive Committee also focused on domestic football development. It reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season, following the adoption of a new club-led commercial model. Updates were provided on the operational planning by participating clubs and the federation. Furthermore, Jamshedpur FC was granted an extended deadline until August 12, 2026, to reconsider a recent decision. In a significant move for youth development, the committee also approved the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach for the India U15 men's national team, subject to his acceptance, to lead the team in the upcoming FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival. These decisions underscore AIFF's commitment to enhancing India's presence on the global football stage and strengthening its domestic structures.