English PFA looking to play matches in India!

A delegation from the English PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) was in India last week to speak to their Indian counterparts the FPAI (Football Players Association of India). Amongst other things it was discussed to play a couple of matches between the PFA and FPAI with October likely to be choosen with the monsoons over and the weather not so hot anymore.

Players who are considering making the trip are former Premier League stars like Alan Shearer, Fernando Morientes, Teddy Sheringham, Robbie Fowler, Didier Hamann, Gaizka Mendieta, Ivan Campo and many more who have just hung up their boots in recent months. Former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville, who is one of Roy Hodgson's assistant coaches with England, is also interested to come to India if his busy schedule permits.

Christian Smith (Commercial Director) and Colin Hill (Commercial Executive), a former player in the English League himself, were down in India for three days to check the facilities across stadiums and hotels for their players.

If they do go ahead they will play a mix of ex-Indian players as maybe some Celebrities to add to the glamour quotient. Baichung Bhutia, Alvito D'Cunha, I.M. Vijayan as well as numerous other names are doing the rounds for these matches.

The objective is to create larger interest for football in India not forgetting the Indian players being part of the event as well. As it appears the PFA is very happy with the football culture of India and plans to make this one of the venues of their annual tours that have included Australia, Barbados and some others. They would also contribute significantly through having coaching clinics and hosting charity auctions while on tour.

The cities are yet to be confirmed but it looks likely to be between Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore and a couple of other cities.