FIFA to focus on India while Pakistan watches on

The Governing Body has made some sensational moves in backing the Bengal Tigers for the U-17 World Cup and are looking to invest in the country’s budding talent.

India could be potential hosts for the showpiece event in 2017, while the Pakistan Football Federation is struggling to secure friendlies for the National team. Clearly, there is a lot of time to go, before the Green Shirts can be on the receiving end of
some praise from FIFA.

Jerome Valcke has already confirmed FIFA’s decision to pursue the Indian market, placing Pakistan in quite a situation.

“India is a key market. We have a 10-year understanding with the AIFF. We share a long term vision, and will implement it,” said Valcke.

“Obviously, the infrastructure will have to be top class, the six venues needed for the tournament will have to be the best. We need security guarantee from the government and then guarantees for accommodation, transport and airport facilities,” Valcke said.

“At the end of the day, for those young players taking part, this will have to be ‘the’ tournament for them. It does not matter where it is being held. So naturally, if India fails to satisfy the strict criteria, it will not host the event,” he added.

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Posted by Shahrukh Sohail on Sep 12 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry