Bibiano parts ways with Bengaluru to join India U-20

Panaji: Bibiano Fernandes has mutually parted ways with Bengaluru FC to take up the coaching assignment with the Indian under-20 football team.
“While I am excited about the new opportunity ahead, I am grateful to the club for allowing me to pursue it,” Bibiano said on Monday. “Saying goodbye is never easy, but as I step away from my role at Bengaluru FC, I do so with immense gratitude. Working with an incredible group of players, staff, and management has been a truly enriching experience, one that has shaped me both professionally and personally.
“I want to thank the club for believing in me and for providing an environment where I could grow the players around me. The passion and commitment here are second to none, and I will always cherish my time at BFC. “
Bibiano had one more year left on his contract, but it was always clear that he would move out after the technical committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) recommended his appointment as head coach of the U-20 national men's football team.
The former India under-16 coach will join the India under-20 squad in Bengaluru on Tuesday. He is also expected to complete the signing formalities.
Bibiano previously spent eight years with the AIFF and guided the India U-15s to a SAFF Championship title in 2017 and in 2018. The India U-16 team also reached the AFC U16 Championship quarterfinals under his reign, missing out on a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a solitary goal loss against South Korea.
He quit AIFF in 2023 to sign a three-year deal with Bengaluru FC.