India to host FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2017
The decision to award India the rights to host the tournament was made by FIFA’s executive committee at its meeting in Brazilian city of Salvador da Bahia in Brazil. The under-17 tournament happens once every two years with 24 nations competing for the coveted title.
The AIFF have proposed holding of matches across five states -- Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and either Assam, Goa or Kerala.
Praful Patel, the president of All India Football Federation (AIFF) called the decision “historic”.
While the expenditure to run the event will be borne by FIFA and AIFF, the Indian government will provide 95-crore rupees for upgrading the stadia as well as keep another 25-crore rupees as contingency funds to ensure smooth running of the tournament.
India submitted its second bid to the football association in November after the government provided assurances on security aspects, visas and tax exemption for broadcast. The country’s first bid in January was rejected by FIFA on the grounds of lack of security and infrastructural assurances.
The proposed Under-17 FIFA World Cup in India would encourage more youngsters to participate in sports and also help develop the sport of football in the country. It will also promote tourism in the country, according to Press Information Bureau.
The actual schedule of the 2017 Under-17 FIFA World Cup will be announced later. Before India’s turn, the under-17 football tournament will be held at UAE (2013) and Chile (2015).
