New Delhi: Praful Patel said Saturday that his unprecedented election to the FIFA Council means more tournaments, international friendlies and exposure for India, besides a chance to operate in close proximity to the developed football nations.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Patel got a spot in the FIFA panel with a record-breaking margin, securing 38 out of the 46 votes at the 29th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in Kuala Lumpur.
“This signifies India’s place in world football. This will give us more voice. We would look to get more tournaments, international friendlies, exposure for our kids,” Patel told this agency. This will also help in terms of football education, coaching and providing exposure to India’s players abroad.
The 62-year-old however, expressed disappointment at the I-League clubs’ refusal to turn up for the Super Cup.
“Despite my busy schedule because of the general elections back home and today’s FIFA Council, I assured them that I would meet them anytime from April 11 to 14. But, despite my assurance, they acted in a manner that is unbecoming of sportsmanship. What is the point of having this meeting now since they have pulled out of the Super Cup,” Patel stated.
Patel said that his first priority remains the betterment of Indian football. “Regarding the future road-map of Indian football, we are all working hard in the right direction, I can assure you all,” asserted the parliamentarian.
Though he is disappointed with the clubs’ attitude back home, Patel said his induction into world football’s apex body will definitely take the game forward in India.
“This will also help us to sign more and more Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the developed football nations,” the seasoned administrator said.
If his election to the FIFA Council was not unprecedented enough, Patel also addressed the delegation for the 29th AFC congress on behalf of its president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who was mourning the demise of his mother.
The AIFF chief was one of the eight candidates vying for the spot in the elections. A total of five, including Patel, was elected in addition to the AFC president and one female member for the term 2019-2023.
PTI