New Delhi: Keen to see India as host of the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke has reportedly told Sports Minister Ajay Maken that organising the event will bring about a "big change in Indian football."
"The sports minister was very positive and extended full support to FIFA and AIFF for hosting the U-17 WC, and Valcke has told him (Maken) that it will bring about a big change in a country of so many talented youths," a senior FIFA official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
During a meeting here on Wednesday, Maken had extended full support to Valcke and Thierry Regenass, director of member associations and development.
Inaugurating the FIFA Developmental Office here on Thursday, Valcke emphasised on India's bid to host the U-17 World Cup as well as qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. "I sincerely hope that India qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The developmental office will have to play a big role in that. Their bid to host the U-17 World Cup is also being taken seriously and I hope they succeed there as well. We will help as much as possible," Valcke said.
The other two FIFA development offices in Asia are situated in Kuala Lumpur and Amman.
Shaji Prabhakaran, the FIFA Regional Development Officer (RDO) for South and Central Asia, termed it a "big challenge". "We need to do justice with our endeavour. We plan to move ahead with FIFA's support and this day marks the beginning of a new chapter," Prabhakaran said.
AFC General Secretary Alex Soosay, who was also present, said: "We have the perfect atmosphere here - that of football. It's also very close to Football House, the All India Football Federation headquarters."
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