AIFF squeezes the rule of marquee player

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has gone back on its own word and allowed the cluns to launch foreign players in the I-League even if they have not yet met the deadlines of the mandatory marquee signing. Notwithstanding, the reservations from some clubs that the rule will put a massive impact on their finances, the organization introduced the marquee player rule for the I-League this season making it obligatory for the clubs to sign a marquee player as part of their foreign quota.

But a few days ahead of the I-League opener on Saturday, the AIFF has taken a different route throwing a lifeline to struggling clubs who have been able to get a marquee player on board. AIFF President Praful Patel is playing an integral role when it comes to refurbishing I-League. In this regard the Churchill brothers have lost their appeal. The Club Licensing Appeals Committee has turned down the appeal from the Churchill Brothers Sports Club to allow them to continue in the I-League. The AIFF had reconvened a meeting of the Club Licensing Appeals Committee with a new chairman following orders from the Delhi High Court. A special panel met in Delhi and delivered the order.

Regarding the licensing policy, AIFF has already gained special accolades from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as it has shown an unprejudiced and unbiased approach in issuing license to the clubs. Under Praful Patel profile as the AIFF President, the organization has gained a lot of momentum in initializing some of the effective changes in professionalizing football. It has been already presented before the world that AIFF is giving the right effort and direction to the Indian Football team.

Recently in the Annual General Meeting of AIFF, Praful Patel has shown some of the horizons that could take Indian Football to a different level. The purpose of the organization is to develop the sport in the country both quantitatively and qualitatively. Patel said, “We have moved some significant steps forward but we have a long way to go. Indian football is certainly poised to take that big leap. In the last couple of years we have seen a distinct change in focus and every aspect of the game is being addressed holistically and scientifically on the lines of practices prevalent all over the world.” It has also been pointed out that the AIFF is working in close connection with FIFA and AFC who are showing ample interest in developing Indian Football and creating a roadmap of success.

Constantine remains to be the preferred choice for Head Coach

All India Football Association’s General Secretary Kushal Das said that Stephen Constantine has been the preferred choice for the position of Head Coach of Indian Men’s Football Team over North – East United FC Coach Ricki Herbert. The preference has been given due to Constantine’s prior experience with the Indian Team.

It was mainly the decision of the technical committee to have a person as a coach who knows the trend of Indian Football, who would understand the problems and the constraints of Indian Football. This has been announced on the eve of the I-League kick off match between Bengaluru FC and Dempo SC. The federation also considered Constantine’s name because India will be playing Asia Cup and eight World Cup qualifiers in 2015 and 2016.

Das also mentioned that Constantine has worked wonders in upgrading the team’s FIFA ranking from 168 to 129. The new coach will be taking charge of his duty from the first week of February. However, he will not be coaching the team selected to play for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled in 2017.

His immediate focus would be to make India qualify for Asian Cup in 2019 and gradually to improve the rankings significantly. On the other hand, it has been further announced that Nikolai Adams has been shortlisted for the position of the U-17 Coach. In this regard, Das has also taken the trend of AIFF President Praful Patel saying that the importance of I-League has not been reduced because of the Indian Super League (ISL). Amidst of the hype of ISL, I-League remains to be the national league of the country from where national team would be able to escalate on an international level. Praful Patel contribution has been a great asset for AIFF to be self motivated and to make further advancements in the game with the best practices and technical skills. Kushal Das signed off saying, “I-League continues to be the national league of the country. The national team is selected after seeing their performance in this tournament. Its primacy has not been reduced by any means.”

IMG – Reliance should join AIFF to market I-League

Salgaocar FC President Shivnand Salgaocar recently expressed his opinion to the media saying that the way Indian Super League (ISL) has been marketed and projected was quite remarkable. He suggested that All India Football Federation (AIFF) to strategize a similar kind of marketing for I-League which will make Indian Football’s original league more popular among the mass.

Salgaocar stressed that IMG – Reliance has shown AIFF the way to market the sport and the concern should take rightful action to make I-League a popular sport in the country. It is an undeniable fact that ISL did create a mass awareness for the game, but as AIFF President Praful Patel had pointed out that I-League is the primary tournament of the country which will determine India’s position with Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Patel had further pointed out that if India wants to become a success in Asia then the players should be more professional with I-League.

As it is a known fact that Praful Patel profile in the progress of the game is quite an important aspect. It has been further noticed that I-League is the prime tournament of the country and only serious sports lovers come to watch it. There should be more awareness for the game like the European tournaments or leagues. Salgaocar further stressed that AIFF should follow the footsteps of the IMG – Reliance by promoting I-League in the right order. This will help in garnering the attention of the populace and will surely make it a buzz around.

As he was signing off, he said, “All we can say is that ISL was well marketed while the Federation Cup was not at all marketed. And mind you, if the [ISL] franchisees did their bid, the marketing effort by the organisers, that is IMG-Reliance and Star Sports was phenomenal. So my request would be for the AIFF to do it. We are doing our bit as team owners in whatever ways we can.”

Narendra Modi joins with Opposition Leaders for Makarsankranti Milan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined a number of his Cabinet Colleagues and leaders of other political parties at an event that has been arranged by Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Speaking at the event, Modi described Makar Sankranti as one of the festivals related to nature. The festival has a special touch and is celebrated all across the nation in different forms and fervor. This is a moment that inspires mankind to the path of progress and achievement. He also said that the festival is not only linked with nature but also with the movement of the Sun. The message of the festival for the human being is to reaching newer and higher goals in life.

There were other political stalwarts, who attended the ceremony at Naidu’s residence, include Finance Minster Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Ganpathi Raju, Consumer Affairs and Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan. There were also other senior members gracing the occasion were Congress MPs Jyotiraditya Scindia, Rajeev Shukla, Senior NCP Leader Praful Patel, BJP President Amit Shah, Party Veteran L K Advani along with his wife and daughter. Many senior officials and bureaucrats including Chief Election Commissioner Sampath Kumar and Election Commissioner HS Brahma were also attending the occasion. Several dance troupes came from south for the entertainment; guests were treated with the most delicious dishes from Andhra Pradesh.

Praful Patel biography shows that he has been quite a prominent figure in Indian Politics. Even though BJP is ruling the nation, Patel has maintained quite a neutral approach towards the government. As he had previously mentioned that he would not be subject to any kinds of prejudices or so and would always be taking matters with an analytical approach. This has undeniably reflected as the time of celebration has begun as he has made his presence to the invitation keeping the political differences aside.

Gujarat hosts the National Championships for the First Time

The 69th edition of the Santosh Trophy is being hosted with all states competing for a place in the final round. Five zones have been formed, East, West, North, South and North East, who have been made Zonals played across the five grounds of these five zones. The main centre of attraction among all the venues was Gujarat where the National Championships would be hosted for the first time. All West Zone matches will be played at the Municipal Corporation Stadium in Rajkot.

Vajubhai Bala, Governor of Karnataka was the Chief Guest who inaugurated the championship. The opening ceremony was a colourful one and many prominent personalities have graced the show including top Government officials and former players with children from many schools. In the opening match Gujarat defeated Daman & Diu by 5 goals to 1 and Madhya Pradesh by a solitary goal. This is a real jovial moment for the state.

It seems that with several events taking place in all the pockets of the country, Indian Football is sure to get back in its old strides. AIFF President Praful Patel has already made it clear that there would be persistent endeovours by the governing body for the development of the sport in the country. Grassroots programme is one of those efforts which the All India Football Federation (AIFF) initiated since 2012. With these small sided games, the organization is refining the skills of the players as well as diverting the inclination of the young people back to the game.

Praful Patel profile remained to be an essential factor as he spoke very affirmatively in the recently held Annual General Meeting of AIFF. Besides, his idea for the development of the sport also remained very strong when he had launched the Strategic Planning of AIFF alongside FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke. Both the stalwarts said that it is important to raise the standard of the national tournaments like I-League as this would only fetch the Indian Football a standardized position at the FIFA rankings which unfortunately had dwindled by ten places this year. Although with tournaments like Indian Super League (ISL) did leave an indelible cascading impact on the national tournaments, it cannot be considered as a premium game. It can only be considered as a Short Term Booster. It has been hoped that with the right kind of planning and strategies, AIFF will be successful in enhancing the sport both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Commemorating Murli Deora with the inauguration of Murli Deora Chowk in Mumbai

A busy corner at the Nariman Point has been named after the late Congress Leader Murli Deora naming it as ‘Murli Deora Chowk’. The spot was inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley along with other leading dignitaries and political figures. The Murli Deora Chowk is located at a junction point of Vinay K Shah Marg and Dorabji Tata Marg, between the Trident Hotel and the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA). As Jaitley talks about the late leader, he recalled how Deora was one of his close confidantes in the Parliament. He further added that his insights, ability to network and win people’s confidence will always be remembered. He was a motivation himself and was a strong pillar of the Indian Politics.

The ceremony was further graced by Congress Leader Digvijay Singh, NCP Leader Praful Patel, HDFC Chariman Deepak Parekh and Secretary General of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan HN Dastur. Amidst of sharing a lot of anecdotes, it was also recalled how Deora started his career in the Mumbai Municipal Corporation in 1968 and was elected as a corporator. Later he was elected four times from Mumbai South Constituency, alongside he also officiated the departments of Petroleum and Natural Gas during the UPA regime. This Congress veteran also served a long time as the President of Mumbai Congress for 22 years.

Praful Patel profile in the ceremony remains to be quite important as he also said his experiences with the late Congress leader while paid his tributes. He called Deora his mentor. He said, “Even though some people were opposed to it, he helped me get my first ticket to the Lok Sabha. I became part of the NCP, but we were still close. His love for Mumbai was unparalleled and this is an ideal way to pay tribute to him.” The ceremony stands out to be quite a memorable one as all the leaders gathered to pay their respects forgetting their political differences or interests.

Indian Football looking forward for a better future

Indian Football is surely going through an era of transformation as it is looking forward to a brighter future for the players and also for the sports itself. So long the sport has been embroiled with lots of criticism and discrepancies along with some infrastructural issues. But the scenario is changing as All India Football Federation (AIFF) is striving to pin the name of Indian football on a global map. Presently, the organization is bidding for international tournaments like Club World Cup and Under – 20 World Cup by 2020.

Recently in the Annual General Meeting, AIFF President Praful Patel has expressed his real concern for the sports in the country. He specifically mentioned that it is an urgent requirement to professionalize the game so that it develops both qualitatively and quantitatively. This year, with Indian Super League, Indian Football has experienced a remarkable response from the fans all over the world. Patel has said that the football has moved significant steps and it is expected that the game would witness a distinct change. It is due to this reason, every aspect of the game is being holistically and scientifically on the lines of practices which are prevalent in the present days.

Under Praful Patel profile as the AIFF Chief, the governing body is working closely with FIFA and AFC and the interest and patience of all for football to get a glorious place in India. Although the situation is not expected to change overnight, yet there should be perfect combination of values and technical education which will help in achieving a successful track in the long term period. Patel said that ISL has been a remarkable success and so it will leave a cascading effect on the I-League which is the premier league and the mainstay of the Indian Football.

Five more Pro – License Coaches for India

All India Football Federation is taking a professional approach in formulating the strategy for making Indian Football team more and more professional. It has become incumbent that the players of this generation are made more and more technically sound and disciplined. India is presently having nine AFC Professional Coaching Diploma held Coaches in its ranks after Khalid Jamil, Mariano Dias, Santosh Kashyap, Hilal Parray and Thangboi Singto who have successfully completed All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) first ever AFC Pro Diploma Course.

Previously Savio Medeira, Derrick Pereira, V. Soundarajan and Hering Shangpliang were the only Indian AFC Professional Coaching Diploma Coaches. Among the 12 participants, Scott O’Donell, Karim Bencherifa and Arthur Papas also successfully completed the Course. Stanley Rozario has been awarded with a Pro-Pass (FAME) which implies he has to re-sit one more practical examination. The course was conducted by former Indian National Team Coach Wim Koevermans, who is also a UEFA Pro License Instructor.

AIFF President Praful Patel has already talked about the professionalization of coaches and referees in pursuit of the development of the team. The organization also conducted two AFC GK courses in Kolkata in November 2014. Of the other 18 participants for the AFC GK level 1 course, 14 Coaches have successfully passed while four candidates among four passed the AFC GK Level 2 Course. Both the AFC GK Courses were conducted by experienced AFC GK Instructor Yong Wai Hwong from Malaysia.

Praful Patel contributions have been immense in uplifting the spirit of the Indian players who are aspiring to make it to the international level. AIFF is leaving no stones unturned as it is preparing itself for its first ever international tournament FIFA Under – 17 World Cup, slated in the year 2017.