JOIN USThe Sports Ministry on Monday extended its support to the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) bid to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
The FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke in his recent visit to the country had made it clear that the country will have to meet the strict criteria for hosting the event. "It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that the Government supports the possibility that FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 may be staged in India," Sports Minister Ajay Maken said in a letter to AIFF president Praful Patel dated Sept 19.
Also, the Government supports the presence of FIFA and of any FIFA member associations in India in connection with the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017. "The Government will also support all efforts that envisage the hosting and staging of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 and those that contribute to the development of football in India," he said.
A “detailed communication” on the guarantees sought by AIFF has been conveyed to the AIFF.
Maken said the proposal of the AIFF was examined in the Sports Ministry in consultations with various other ministries or departments.
Meanwhile, AIFF vice-president Subrata Dutta welcomed the Ministry’s support.