Ranjit Bajaj Rejects India U-15 Team Manager Role

Ranjit Bajaj, owner of Minerva Academy FC, has declined the appointment as manager of India's Under-15 football team for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 in Azerbaijan.

In a video posted on Instagram, Bajaj explained that he could not accept the proposed arrangement, stating that it 'makes no sense at all' and could negatively impact India's preparations for the tournament.

Bajaj emphasized the importance of the processes established by his team for World Cup preparation and warned that combining his setup with the existing coaching structure could lead to failure.

He made it clear that his decision was made solely with the national team's best interests in mind and that he would not take any decision that could compromise India's chances at the World Cup.

Despite his disagreement with the arrangement, Bajaj stressed that his commitment to the national team remains unwavering and that he would fully support whoever is appointed as the coach.

The development has added pressure on the All India Football Federation to ensure clarity over the team's management and preparation.

Bajaj's concerns are about the structure and process rather than opposition to any particular coach, and his priority is to give India the best possible chance of succeeding at the World Cup.

The FIFA U-15 World Cup 2026 is a major global tournament, and India's U-15 side is preparing to make a strong impression.

The All India Football Federation must now address the concerns raised by Bajaj and ensure that the team's management and preparation are in place to give India a competitive edge at the tournament.

The decision by Bajaj has intensified the debate around the team's management, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

For now, Bajaj's commitment to the national team remains unwavering, and he will continue to support the team in any way possible.