Jerome Valcke, General Secretary of FIFA visited India and reconfirmed FIFA’s concern and seriousness regarding the development and progress of football in the subcontinent. The General Secretary is quite assertive about the changing pattern of the sport in the country and is happy about the fact that the country has bagged FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled in 2017. He further elaborated that a project in India is about to start with the commencement of U-17 World Cup. Valcke also appreciated that the efforts of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) pertaining to the development of the game in the country. He said, “Our commitment with India is, and will also be strong as it was; as India are on the right track.”
AIFF President Praful Patel was enthralled with the comments of Valcke and had thanked FIFA for their support towards redefining the course of the sports. He reassured that AIFF is going to bid for FIFA U-20 World Cup. FIFA have also launched Win in India project which has benefitted eight Artificial Turfs in various cities. Patel was happy to inform the media that bidding for World Cup is a step forward for AIFF. The organisation has already received much accolades and acknowledgment from AFC for its unprejudiced approach in issuing license to the clubs. Licensing of I-League Clubs has been completed under FIFA and AFC.
Valcke also met multiple I-League Clubs and AIFF Executive Committee Members after the launch. He added, “In consultation with Mr. Patel, we have devised a strategic plan from 2014 through 2017, and then move ahead to the next phase – for a long term future.” The FIFA General Secretary has also met with Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, the AIFF President, Executive Committee Members, I-League clubs and another at the ASSOCHAM. It has been also stressed that the goal for U-17 and U-20 is not for FIFA to make profits, but also to support the AIFF. Praful Patel contributions are also appreciated by the FIFA official towards the dynamism of the AIFF. Speaking of the Hero Indian Super League, Valcke said that the league is drawing a lot of attention worldwide. On the other hand Praful Patel signed off saying, “The Indian Super League is like a booster dose in the short run. The ISL Clubs hope to proceed into the I-League eventually. The goal is to bring the two closer to take the advantage for developing the sport in the Country.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment