KOLKATA: All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel believes India stands a good chance of hosting the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in 2019.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee here on Thursday, Patel said the city will host a three-day FIFA Council meeting ahead of the Under-17 World Cup finals on October 28.
Patel said the meeting of the FIFA council, the main decision-making body of the world football governing body apart from the congress, will be held from October 26-28.
The council consists of 37 members: the president, eight vice-presidents and 28 other members.
The agenda of the Fifa council meeting is yet to be out, but there could be discussions on India’s bid for the 2019 mega event for which, the AIFF has already submitted the application.
Calcutta Telegraph quotes Patel as having told reporters: “We are hoping that the U-20 World Cup can also be hosted in India. I am very happy that the West Bengal government is extending full support. I am sure that the U-17 World Cup and its final will be a huge success.”
Presence of full FIFA council in the country during the competition underlines the importance the governing body will be giving to India, Patel added. “The full FIFA Council will be here. This shows the kind of importance Fifa seems to be giving to India.”
The meeting also discussed about setting up of a national training centre in Kolkata, which will be given a special status being the "home" of Indian football, PTI reports.
On giving Kolkata a special status, Patel said: "The AIFF will recommend that Kolkata shall be given special treatment. Kolkata is the home for football in India, a place where people are passionate about the sport. Obviously we will like to see that Kolkata is high on the map of Indian football.
"In the coming days, we are hoping to set up a national training centre of football and that is what was one of the discussion with the CM today. She has agreed to extend full support. This is only a preliminary discussion."
The gigantic Salt Lake Stadium now sports a new look and Patel is excited.
"The entire facility has come up beyond our expectation. FIFA is also very happy. Today we have discussed other arrangements for the World Cup and I am very happy with the meeting.
"West Bengal government is extending full support. I thank the Chief Minister and the sports minister and other officials. Everything is on track," said the AIFF chief.
There may not be any inauguration ceremony in New Delhi on October 6 but there will be some events during the prize distribution at the Salt Lake Stadium, Patel said after his meeting with Mamata and sports minister Arup Biswas.
The AIFF president also visited the Salt Lake Stadium that will host 10 matches including the all-important final.
"I congratulate the Chief Minister of West Bengal - Mamata Banerjee for her continued support and the incredible amount of work that has been put in for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
"It would not be unfair to say that the honourable CM, Sports Minister Arup Biswas and their entire team have managed to completely renovate this facility and make it truly world- class. Come this October, the grandeur and passion that the city has for the beautiful game will be on exhibit globally, Patel said.
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