Bigger challenges lie ahead: Praful Patel
10 Dec 2013 12:24 AM GMT
Grass root level football and infrastructure have been two key issues that has plagued Indian football. ‘The task ahead forges a bigger challenge to create right infrastructure and implement the right methods,’ said Praful Patel.
There are eight venues that have been selected for the FIFA under-17 World Cup and Patel said that the key was to distribute football all over India. ‘Owing to India’s geography we sought out for equitable distribution to attract fans. The tournament will redefine Indian football for decades to come.’ Praful added that none of the venues are fixed and the AIFF isn’t obligated to stick to eight venues.
‘The venues are tentative and we have no obligation to stick to all of them. If the state government, federation cannot deliver the required need for infrastructures, they will miss out. The expenses are under FIFA in affiliation with the AIFF and we will set certain requirements.’ ‘Natural Turfs will be preferred to artificial ones and the State Associations must get their act together,’ he opined.
For the team participating in the U-17 World Cup, Patel said the AIFF will scout talent from every source possible. ‘This is the ideal platform for all youngsters and we will do everything to develop the game amongst youth.’ The AIFF President also confirmed India’s interest in hosting the FIFA Club World Cup in the years 2015 and 2016.
‘We will be bidding to host the Club World Cup in 2015 and 2016. An official communication has been made. I will be further pushing our case and I believe we have a good chance,’ Mr. Patel informed. He also said that 2017 will be treated as 2015 as upgradation needs to be sped up.
‘The I-League Clubs should work on their Club Licensing Criteria and treat is very seriously if they are to play at the International level. The game is played professionally and treated commercially at the International level. It is but obvious that the I-League Champions will get a chance to play in the Club World Cup if we host the Event. But for that, the Clubs need to put their best foot forward and fulfill the Licensing Criteria.’ He also added that many states that do not have football stadiums and its a new opportunity for them.
There are eight venues that have been selected for the FIFA under-17 World Cup and Patel said that the key was to distribute football all over India. ‘Owing to India’s geography we sought out for equitable distribution to attract fans. The tournament will redefine Indian football for decades to come.’ Praful added that none of the venues are fixed and the AIFF isn’t obligated to stick to eight venues.
‘The venues are tentative and we have no obligation to stick to all of them. If the state government, federation cannot deliver the required need for infrastructures, they will miss out. The expenses are under FIFA in affiliation with the AIFF and we will set certain requirements.’ ‘Natural Turfs will be preferred to artificial ones and the State Associations must get their act together,’ he opined.
For the team participating in the U-17 World Cup, Patel said the AIFF will scout talent from every source possible. ‘This is the ideal platform for all youngsters and we will do everything to develop the game amongst youth.’ The AIFF President also confirmed India’s interest in hosting the FIFA Club World Cup in the years 2015 and 2016.
‘We will be bidding to host the Club World Cup in 2015 and 2016. An official communication has been made. I will be further pushing our case and I believe we have a good chance,’ Mr. Patel informed. He also said that 2017 will be treated as 2015 as upgradation needs to be sped up.
‘The I-League Clubs should work on their Club Licensing Criteria and treat is very seriously if they are to play at the International level. The game is played professionally and treated commercially at the International level. It is but obvious that the I-League Champions will get a chance to play in the Club World Cup if we host the Event. But for that, the Clubs need to put their best foot forward and fulfill the Licensing Criteria.’ He also added that many states that do not have football stadiums and its a new opportunity for them.
Next Story
