FIFA to shift RDO to India

A two-man FIFA delegation comprising Jean Michael Benezet (technical director) and Thierry Regenass (development officer) made the announcement after inspecting the facilities at the Bangalore Football stadium here on Saturday.

“We see India as one of our most important strategic partners, which is why we are moving the Development Office from Colombo to India,” Regenass said.

“There are two primary things lacking in Indian football. The first is obviously the infrastructure. The second one is grassroots football. We are committed to ensure that both these aspects are taken care of with the help of AIFF (All India Football Federation).

“We realise a more hands-on approach is needed to develop football, hence the decision to set up the Development Office here,” he added, revealing that the Office will most probably be in New Delhi. Benezet also stressed the need for Indian football to develop at the grassroots. “Football is like a pyramid. You have your professional league, the I-League, at the top, which is fine. But you also need the base, which is your grassroots football. Only by developing that and by getting kids to play more and more football can you as a country move ahead,” he said.

Both delegates said that they were happy with the facilities and th newly laid pitch at the Bangalore Football stadium. “I came here four years ago and the difference between then and now is massive. The FIFA Goal project is moving along well and will be vital to developing football in Bangalore,” he said, referring to the academy being set up next to the stadium.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das, who accompanied the delegates, hinted that the Football stadium would be refurbished.

“This stadium is a pure football stadium. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that all facilities are in place to make it world-class,” he said.