'That is a preparation for disaster': Ranjit Bajaj rejects India U15 role after AIFF appointment

In a series of shocking events, Minerva Academy owner Ranjit Bajaj rejected the role of India's U15 football team's manager just after the news of his appointment. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) made a big move by bringing Bajaj on board as the manager of the side, while continuing their faith in Bibiano Fernandes as head coach.

The appointment is particularly significant given Bajaj's open criticism of the federation in recent times. He has also promoted the idea of focus on grassroots development to boost Indian football from the base level. While Declining the job, Bajaj noted the major difference in playing style between him and Bibiano.

Why Ranjit Bajaj declined India U15 job?

Bajaj believes that he follows the high-pressing style which became his signature style while working at Minerva Academy. Whereas, Bibiano follows a pragmatic approach of low-block style against the opponent sides.

ALSO READ: 'He’s a little bit like me, but...': McCullum's huge verdict on new England Test coach Stephen Fleming

"They sent me a letter stating that I have been appointed manager. So people have been calling me up and congratulating me. However, I am not happy. I am very unhappy. This is the worst thing that they could have done. You have kept both of us together in the team. I do not have any problems with Bibiano. We just have different playing styles and different visions. A low-block counter-attacking style is completely different from a high-press style. I am not saying the other system is wrong but those are very different systems. So, that is a preparation for disaster," said Ranjit Bajaj.

Rajit Bajaj's managerial record for Minerva academy

As the founder, director and team manager of Minerva Academy FC

The Academy's Boys 12 squad won the championship by defeating Brazil's RS Sports Yellow in the final game 2-1. Just Weeks prior, Minerva won the Helinski Cup in Finland, defeating defending champions HJK in the final to win two big European youth titles in a single summer.

In the domestic circuit, Minerva stamped their authority with a series of dominating performances. The academy won the AIFF Sub-Junior National Championship in May 2026 with a 4-1 win over Classic Football Academy. The Minerva Academy follows Bajaj's philosophy of high-intensity football with whole heart as the recent success truly represents it.