AIFF Media Team

MARGAO: FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino who is on his first visit to India since being elected the FIFA President said on Tuesday (September 27, 2016) that Indian Football is “moving in the right direction” under the leadership of Mr. Praful Patel, President of All India Football Federation.

Speaking at a Round Table organised in Panjim, Mr. Infantino lauded AIFF’s professional approach towards the development of the game.

“There is a professional approach and Indian Football under Mr. Patel’s leadership is moving ahead in the right direction,” he stated.

Besides the FIFA President, Mr. Patel, AFC President Shaikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa were also present on the occasion, as were AIFF Vice-Presidents and many other notable dignitaries.

Thanking FIFA and AFC for their support, Mr. Patel mentioned that “given the populace and dimensions, India is no less than a Continent.”

The detailed 90 minute Round Table highlighted on AIFF’s Strategic Plan, Lakshya, the initiatives taken and milestones achieved in Youth Development, Grassroots, Women’s Football and Integrity.

AFC President Shaikh Salman praised India for successfully organising the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016. “India stays one of our top priority destinations. Hence, we are back in India in less than a year,” he said.

“I was at the Stadium the other day and was impressed with both the organisation and the Indian U-16 Indian Team’s performance.”

The AFC Annual Awards were held in the Capital in November 2015.

Mr. Patel also expressed India’s interest to host the U-20 World Cup and mentioned that the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 will be a “game changer for Indian Football.”

“Our ambition is to host the FIFA U20 World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup next so that there is continuity post the FIFA U17 World Cup India 2017 in order to inspire the Indian Football fans.”