AIFF inducts ex-India player in executive committee

The AIFF on Thursday inducted former India international Abhishek Yadav in its executive committee as per the requirements of the newly amended constitution, while Anjali Shah was nominated as the second woman member of the highest decision-making body.

The 36-year-old Yadav's name was recommended by All India Football Federation president Praful Patel, and it was unanimously accepted by the members in the executive committee meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. Besides, the country's apex football body also decided to include Maharashtra's Shah as the second woman member of the executive committee.

Yadav, who made his India debut in 1999, has plied for various clubs such as the erstwhile Mahindra United and Churchill Brothers as striker. Yadav has been a key figure as far scouting talents for various age groups is concerned, and was also actively involved in scouting process for the U-17 team that will compete in the upcoming U-17 FIFA World Cup.

The committee was apprised of the meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday with all the stakeholders including FIFA and AFC. As per the recommendations of the AFC, a commission would be instituted to find a medium and long term solution taking into account the history, commitment and contributions made for more than 100 years, as well as the new skills.

The AFC feels that this road map can be prepared by the end of the year. "Regarding the issue over I-League-ISL merger, Patel said that he will have a meeting with all I-League clubs in Delhi on June 10 as part of the federation's stated aim to reach a consensus leading to an outcome," a top AIFF official said. However, considering the uniqueness of the forthcoming season wherein India is hosting the U-17 World Cup till October 28, and the fact that the national team would be playing nine more international matches (including the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers), it is imperative that India put their best foot forward to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup. The AIFF will discuss this with stakeholders before a final decision is reached.