Exclusive: Ranjit Bajaj, Bibiano Fernandes both Turn Down Role, Bajaj gives AIFF deadline for Final Verdict

The saga regarding the Indian football U15 team continues as Ranjit Bajaj and Bibiano Fernandes have turned down the managerial roles.

The All India Football Federation appointed Bajaj as the manager on Thursday, while picking Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach for the U15 team, which will participate in the FIFA U15 World Cup and festival in two month’s time in Azerbaijan.

But following the appointments, Bajaj slammed the AIFF for their approach of appointing two persons who have opposite footballing visions. In an exclusive chat with MyKhel, Bajaj accused AIFF of trying to deliberately hurt the prospects of Indian football and ‘setting the team up for failure’.

Ranjit Bajaj turned down his managerial role for the India U15 team on Thursday night itself.

Bibiano Fernandes turns down Role as well

MyKhel understands Bibiano Fernandes has done the same. Fernandes has also decided to walk away from the coaching role, citing a last-minute appointment and philosophical differences.

MyKhel understands that Ranjit Bajaj has given the AIFF till the end of today to appoint either of the two, as they are unlikely to work together.

It’s now in AIFF’s court. They can give full charge to either Bajaj or Fernandes, or they may seek to bring in a third person for the coaching role.

Why has Ranjit Bajaj turned down AIFF appointment?

Ranjit Bajaj has been vocal about the approach of the federation, as his sole appointment was not sought. In an application written to AIFF, Bajaj mentioned an 85-day programme for the U15 team with the staff he needs, culminating a Rs 4.1 crore cost to it.

He asked for a number of assistants and other support staff, from a neuro-vision expert to a biomechanist.

“First of all, I never applied to become just the manager. I submitted a proposal that included my entire high-performance team – Pro Licence coaches, sports psychologist, nutritionist, biomechanist, mental conditioning coach, cognitive expert, neuro-vision expert, goalkeeping specialist and the complete excellence centre. Ranjit Bajaj alone isn’t the system. The system is what has produced results,” he said to this website on Thursday.

Hence, Bajaj’s stance has been clear. He will only take up the role if the entire plan is acknowledged.