AIFF Open House Meeting to be held tomorrow in Dubai

The All India Football Federation's second Open House meeting to secure a minimum of two Football Clubs on board for the next edition of the I-League will be held at the Ritz Carlton hotel, DIFC in Dubai tomorrow. The meeting will be chaired by AIFF President Praful Patel. The earlier Open House meeting was held at AIFF Football House on March 5.

The meeting, being hosted by the AIFF will bring to the fore the Governing Body's expectations from the new clubs, interact with potential participants, share ideas and invite suggestions from interested parties.

AIFF President Praful Patel sounds confident the initiative will "take Indian Football to a larger Global Audience".

"In keeping with AIFF's mission of promoting Indian football to a larger Global Audience, this is a vital step being taken to adopt additional teams and invest in our youth," Praful Patel said.

"By inviting participation from regional investors and offering them a sound investment opportunity, we are certain we will be able to raise the brand value of the I-League, evolving it to become a truly futuristic and versatile tournament," he added.

The AIFF would formally invite open tenders and expressions of interest by qualified investors to set-up and operate the clubs. Winning bidders of the tender will be able to set-up and operate new football clubs which compete from the I-League season 2013/14 and beyond.

The opportunity to set-up new football clubs also carries an incentive for investors to invest in the youth and develop the infrastructure necessary to create a State-of-the-Art environment where the youth can be engaged, football teams can be developed and the sport can be promoted.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Presidents Meet: AIFF's Praful Patel & FIFA's Sepp Blatter regarding 2017 FIFA Under-17

The president of the All India Football Federation Praful Patel has travelled to Zurich and today met with FIFA President Joseph Blatter, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and Thierry Regenass, FIFA Director Member Associations and Development Vision, at FIFA Headquarters to dicsuss the issues relating to the guarantees from the Government of India required by FIFA regarding the hosting of the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Praful Patel explained to Sepp Blatter and Mr. Valcke that all the requirements mentioned in the guarantees are fulfilled by the existing legislations of the country and the Government of India had already sent a letter to FIFA explaining the same and giving its unequivocal support for hosting the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

The Government of India letter was also supported by a legal opinion endorsing the declaration by the Government of India though in recent interactions FIFA was critical of the guarantees given by the Government of India.

As per the AIFF the meeting was very positive and FIFA agreed to review the letter of the Government of India and the legal opinion with their legal department and requested the AIFF to send their legal advisors for a meeting with FIFA so that the matter can be explained to them in greater detail.

It seems not all is lost in India's quest to host the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

(Photo courtesy AIFF Media)

Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story: London Première a grand success!

The documentary film 'Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story' had its world première at the 'Kicking & Screening Soccer Film Festival' ( festival link ) in London at the Everyman Cinemas in Belsize Park on Wednesday evening. I myself flew across from Düsseldorf to London to be there for the première as I myself am part of the documentary by giving my opinion, thoughts and insights on Indian football.

The Everyman Cinemas at Belsize Park is a small, cosy, old fashioned little cinema and it was the fitting location to show the documentary for the first time to the general audience besides also having some of the protagonists of the documentary present, many of whom had never met before.

The story of the documentary has two strings, one which follows the two winners of the 2009 South Mumbai Soccer Challenge, Hussain Vahanvaty and Shaun Fernandes, on their six week training trip at Queens Park Rangers FC in London after showing how these two boys were spotted at the South Mumbai Soccer Challenge and then the second string being the situation of Indian football.

Director Daniel Glynn, producer Mat Hodgson and their whole team at Ad Hoc Films worked close to two-and-a-half years to produce the documentary and I have to say, the outcome is a great piece of filmography!

After the screening première there was a Q&A session moderated by renowned British Indian journalist Mihir Bose which included director Daniel Glynn, producer Mat Hodgson, QPR youth coaches Steve Gallen and Marc Bircham besides myself, all who have something to do with the documentary. We did go into a little more detail about the Indian football though having little time to discuss it then taking about Indian football's situation could go on and on.

I thoroughly enjoyed being there for the première meeting a lot of old friends and making new one's and I can only recommend everything who is interested in Indian football or maybe even not, to watch the documentary.

Here the link to the 'Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story' Facebook Fanpage www.facebook.com/SleepingGiantfilm

Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story - World Première tonight in London!

Tonight the documentary film 'Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story' will have its world première at the 'Kicking & Screening Soccer Film Festival' in London at Everyman Cinemas at Belsize Park at 21.00 GMT. I myself will be flying across to London to be there for the première as I myself am part of the documentary by giving my opinion and insights on Indian football.

Having seen the raw version of the documentary film it is simply great! A documentary about Indian football highlighting its strengths and weaknesses intended for a global audience should be something worth watching...

The documentary film has been made by AdHoc Films, the makers of the critically acclaimed documentary 'The Four Year Plan'. It is a journey of two young footballers from the South Mumbai Football Challenge to the Academy at Queens Park Rangers FC with contributions from eminent journalists and football specialists about the difficult subject of Indian football.

Shot over two and a half years, this documentary follows the young hopefuls from the backstreets of Mumbai to London, as they embark on an incredible journey to realise their dreams. Soon the age old questions of whether sport success is nature or nurture, talent or opportunity, are brought to the fore.

Director Daniel Glynn said about the film, "We've been given a privileged and unique insight into a country described as (actually your direct quote Arunava!) footballs last frontier."


Here for more information about tickets for the London première at Belsize Park:
http://www.everymancinema.com/advanced-sales/sleeping-giant

Here the link to the 'Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story' Facebook Fanpage www.facebook.com/SleepingGiantfilm

Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story - Première on October 3 in London!

The documentary film 'Sleeping Giant: An Indian Football Story' will première at the 'Kicking & Screening Soccer Film Festival' at Everyman Cinemas at Belsize Park in London on Wednesday, October 3 at 21.00 GMT. I myself will be around for the première as I am part of the documentary by giving my opinion and insights on Indian football.

The documentary film has been made by AdHoc Films, the makers of the critically acclaimed documentary 'The Four Year Plan'. It is a journey of two young footballers from the South Mumbai Football Challenge to the Academy at Queens Park Rangers FC with contributions from eminent journalists and football specialists about the difficult subject of Indian football.

Shot over two and a half years, this documentary follows the young hopefuls from the backstreets of Mumbai to London, as they embark on an incredible journey to realise their dreams. Soon the age old questions of whether sport success is nature or nurture, talent or opportunity, are brought to the fore.

Director Daniel Glynn said about the film, "We've been given a privileged and unique insight into a country described as (actually your direct quote Arunava!) footballs last frontier."

"But at its heart, this is a discussion not just about this huge and relevant subject. It's the human story of two boys who share the same dream, to play professional football. Their story in many ways gives the film its emotional core and hopefully makes the wider discussion even more powerful to a global audience. I'm certain it's only a matter of time before we see Indian football having a greater presence on the world stage," Daniel added.

While his colleague Mat Hodgson said, "Making Sleeping Giant has been a fascinating journey that has a duality. On one level we have a case study of plucking two boys from obscurity and giving them a platform to show and develop talents. This has brought into the light the age old debate about sport being about ability or opportunity. Secondly, it has brought the vast question of why Indian football barely registers on a global football scale. The world has a population of 7 billion and India is 1.2 billion. When you look at it like that it defies logic even on the most basic level. We found during the making of this that the hunger is there but the system needs grabbing by the scruff of the neck by someone visionary. India's strength is it's population and with that brings vast sponsorship and commercial opportunities which can fund a football revolution. They can definitely can do it."


Here for more information about tickets for the London première at Belsize Park:
http://www.everymancinema.com/advanced-sales/sleeping-giant

Here the link to the Facebook Fanpage www.facebook.com/SleepingGiantfilm

VIDEO - ESPN: Mission India for FIFA!

Here a news report from ESPN'S Sportscenter on the visit of FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke to India and the support of the world governing body to the All India Football Federation and Indian football, which includes support for the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India and general support to develop the game in the sub-continent over the next decade.

AIFF organises Platinum Jubilee function, honours former Greats

Ahead of tonights Nehru Cup kick-off, the All India Football Federation celebrated its Platinum Jubilee function at New Delhi's Taj Palace hotel last night with a grand gathering graced by some of the living members of the 1962 Asian Games football tournament Gold Medal winning squad, while others could not attend like the living 1951 Asian Games football tournament Gold Medal winning members.

Chuni Goswami, the captain of the 1962 Asian Games squad along with P.K. Banerjee, Prodyut Burman, Prasanta Sinha, Fortunata A. Franco, Ethiraj, D.M.K. Afzal and Arumanayagam were present on the occasion. AIFF President Praful Patel presented a silver plaque and a shawl to each one of them.

The evening also marked the unveiling of the Platinum Jubilee Souvenir and the AIFF Technical Director Rob Baan's Masterplan for the development of Indian football.

Praful Patel said on the occasion, "It's a personal honour to be a part of AIFF's Platinum Jubilee Year. I always maintain that managing football is far more challenging than managing the ministry. We have to work that extra bit to achieve our goal. We have completed 75 years, now we should set goals for the next 25 years."

"I pledge all of you to work as a football family. We need to emulate and exceed the feats of the yesteryears. I request our Dutch Coaches to help us achieve our goal."

Speaking on behalf of the yesteryear Greats who were felicitated, Chuni Goswami added, "I'm overwhelmed by the reception. I thank AIFF for this. The 1962 Asian Games will forever be etched in memory as Golden days of Indian football. But it's time to move ahead and not rest on laurels. Indian football is going ahead as we boast of a capable Coaching staff."

P.K. Banerjee added, "The AIFF has always supported its players. I stay grateful to them to honour us at such a platform."

As the evening wore on, Technical Director Rob Baan unveiled his Masterplan, 'Lakshya'. While unveiling the much-awaited doctrine that holds the future of Indian football, the 69-year old Dutch said, "This is not my Masterplan. After coming to India I met so many people, visited State Associations and attended so many Seminars and Camps. We interacted and the suggestions have been taken into account."

"I believe kids need to brought into football. They should be given proper space to play and be educated. The Coaches and the Referees also need to be educated."

"The curriculum of football should be updated. Take Barcelona for example. They often play without a striker. The dynamics of football curriculum has changed and we need to stay updated."

IBN VIDEO: Sunil Chhetri joining Sporting Clube de Portugal

A press conference was held earlier today in New Delhi to announce the signing of Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri by Portuguese giants Sporting Clube de Portugal. Sunil joins their 'B' team, who play in the second tier in Portugal and if he can prove himself, then more is possible.

Here some footage of the press conference shown by CNN-IBN

AIFF launches Platinum Jubilee (75th anniversary) celebrations

The All India Football Federation turned 75 today on Saturday, June 23. It was on this day in Shimla in 1937 that the All India Football Federation was founded. The Football Federation commemorated the occasion by launching the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at the AIFF Headquarters, the Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi. The celebrations continue till June 22, 2013.

Former India Captain and legendary footballer Chuni Goswami unfurled the flag to mark the beginning of the celebrations besides also unveiling the AIFF's Platinum Jubilee logo. The AIFF Senior Vice-Presidents A.R. Khaleel and Subrata Dutta were also present as were Hardev Jadeja, Ankur Dutta, Tempo Bhutia and Sunil Bharadwaj besides General Secretary Kushal Das, but the AIFF president Praful Patel was not present on the occasion.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das looked back the path travelled so far. "It is a momentous day for all football lovers. The AIFF which was launched in 1937 is now 75 years old. We stay proud of our history," he said.

He also stressed on the future plans ahead. "AIFF has big plans for the development of football specially the launch of Youth Academies which will go a long way in improving and developing the game in India," he added.

AIFF President Praful Patel in his message said, "It is indeed a great occasion that we are 75 years old. I am sure that with the programme undertaken in the Platinum Jubilee year we will go a long way in creating the right impetus to take Indian football to the next level in due course."

Chuni Goswami also lauded the AIFF over the recent appointment of foreign coaches. "I need to mention that AIFF has brought in quality coaching staff in all age groups. It's up to the Indian Coaches who work with them to learn the finer points of the trade," he commented.

On the occasion a short documentary film 'Glory of Indian Football’ was screened at the Football House.

Besides, Chuni Goswami was presented a bouquet of flowers by A.R. Khaleel, Subrata Dutta, Ankur Datta and Hardev Jadeja. Kushal Das presented Chuni Goswami a memento and Subrata Dutta presented him with a shawl.

The Military Pipe Band of Rajputana Rifles performed on the occasion with 'Saare Jahan se Accha' played in honour of the guests. The AIFF staff were also present on the occasion besides the media.

VIDEO: Documentary on Launch of first AIFF Regional Academy

The All India Football Federation in collaboration with world football governing body FIFA launched its first Regional Academy at the Father Agnel School premises in Vashi, Navi Mumbai on May 1, 2012. This is the first of four such Academies to come-up across India and here a documentary on the launch and reactions from key stakeholders and personal involved in the Academy.

AIFF's 2012 AGM: The Decisions

The All India Football Federation held its Annual General Body meeting at Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi today. AIFF president Praful Patel chaired the meeting in the presence of AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das plus the Vice-Presidents Subrata Dutta, Ankur Datta, A.R. Khaleel and Venod Sharma.

The Executive Committee members of the AIFF and members from all the Member State Associations (except Arunachal Pradesh) and other stakeholders were also present as was Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA Regional Developmental Officer for South and Central Asia; representatives from AIFF's Marketing partners and invitees from sponsors.

In his address, Praful Patel stressed on laying a solid foundation which would take Indian football to the next level. "We need to have a comprehensive Youth Development Programme which would guide us in the right direction," the AIFF president said.

"The Regional and the Elite Academies are going as per schedule," he added. "Coach Education stays an integral part of the Curriculum."

"2011 was an eventful year for Indian football. Besides India winning the SAFF Championship, the U-16 boys made it to the final phase of the AFC U-16 in Tashkent, which is commendable indeed. I also congratulate the U-13 girls for winning the AFC U-13 Football Tournament in Colombo recently," Mr. Patel added.

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das announced that a new U-19/20 National Level tournament would be held every season from now on.

Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran made a presentation titled 'Performance' which stressed on Professional Football Management.

A minute's silence was observed prior to the start of the meeting in memory of former Indian internationals and administrators - Sailendra Nath Manna, K.V. Varadraj, A.S. Firoze, M.A. Sattar, Bobby Hamilton, Arjun Bikram Shah and Ejaz Hussain, all of whom passed away.

AIFF clears inaugural PLS season!

The Office-bearers of the All India Football Federation met today at Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of AIFF president Praful Patel.

The Committee reviewed the whole structure of the Bengal Premier League Soccer and based on detailed clarifications given by the Indian Football Association (West Bengak), came to the conclusion that the Rules and Regulations as communicated for the conduct of such a League will be followed specially those relating to the registration and transfer of foreign players as per the FIFA 'Transfer Matching System'.

The AIFF President felt that as long as such Leagues follow all the right procedures and regulations, and help in the development of football in India, more such Leagues may be encouraged in the future on an All-India basis.

Accordingly, the General Secretary of the Indian Football Association and the General Secretary of the All India Football Federation would meet tomorrow to ensure that all the right procedures are in place for the Player Transfer under FIFA TMS and necessary registration of the franchises with the respective District Football Associations.

Chhetri given AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award

Even as Baichung Bhutia, Team India and FC Bayern Munich hogged the limelight at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, there was a significant presentation which happened during the match.

Team India striker Sunil Chhetri was awarded the 2011 AIFF Player-of-the-Year award during the interval. The Award was handed over to Chhetri by the AIFF president Praful Patel. Mr. Patel handed Chhetri a silver plaque and a Cheque of Rs. 200,000 (2 lakh).

In his message Mr. Patel congratulated Chhetri and wished him more success in the years to come. "Sunil Chhetri is a deserving recipient of the Award. I hope this will spur him on to bring more laurels for the National Team in the near future. I wish him success in coming years," Mr. Patel said.

For the first time the Award was decided in a democratic manner where all the coaches of the I-League playing teams voted unanimously on the four short-listed footballers.

An elated Chhetri thanked all his team-mates and coaches and the AIFF without whose support "the Award wouldn't have been possible at all."

"This is an inspiration to do better. 2011 has been good for me – I had earlier received the Arjuna Award and now the AIFF Player-of-the-Year Award. It feels nice when your achievements are recognised," Chhetri added.

Chhetri who scored 24 goals (13 International goals and 11 goals for Clubs) in 2011 had earlier received the Award in 2007.

State FA elections in Delhi & Maharashtra

The state football associations of Delhi and Maharashtra have held elections for their office bearers for a new four year term. The presidents in both state football associations were re-elected, while they both got new honorary secretaries.


Delhi Soccer Association

MLA Subhash Chopra has been re-elected as president of the Delhi Soccer Association for a second four year term in New Delhi. Out of the 78 governing council members, 74 participated in the elections. These were conducted by the returning officer Rajesh Mishra, member Bar Council of Delhi and in presence of AIFF Observer Anil Kamat.

Associate Professor of Physical Education Zakir Hussain College Syed Shaheen was elected as the new Honorary Secretary by defeating D.K. Bose by 60-14 votes. Shaheen was the Honorary Treasurer in the outgoing body.

The six Vice President, three Joint Secretaries and a Treasurer were also elected unopposed. They are Sharafatullah, O.P. Malhotra, H.V. Chavan, N.K. Bhatia, Nagendra Singh and Kamaluddin Qureshi. The three joint-Secretaries are Magan Singh Patwal, Rajeev Gupta and Rizwan Ul-Haq. Hem Chand was elected as Honorary Treasurer.

Nine members of managing committee elected are Bikramjit Purkayastha, Ashok Kumar Ghosh, Benny Joseph, Dalip Kumar Ghosh, Hafiz Shahid, Jagdish Malhotra, Liaquat Ali, Ashok Kumar and Bhola Nath Kamarkar.


Western Indian Football Association (Maharashtra)

In the elections of the Western Indian Football Association, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and All India Football Federation president Praful Patel has been re-elected as WIFA president.

At the recently held 62nd Annual General Meeting of WIFA in Gondia, Sauter Vaz from the Mumbai District FA was elected as the new Honorary Secretary of the state.

Pyarelel Choudhary from the Pune District FA was chosen as the treasurer, while five vice-presidents Atal Bahadur Singh (Nagpur), Vishwajeet Kadam (Pune), Maloji Raje Chhatrapati (Kolhapur), Sunil Dhande (Beed), Liaquat Hussain (Aurangabad), three joint-secretaries (Wali Mohammed (Raigad), Manik Mandlik (Kolhapur), Deepak Dixit (Chanda) and 13 executive committee members were also chosen according to a WIFA press release.

AIFF ExCo appoints Armando Colaco as interim coach, other decisions

The Executive Committee of the All India Football Federation met at Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi today with its president Praful Patel presiding over the meeting. Also in attendence where General Secretary Kushal Das, the vice-presidents Subrata Dutta, Joaquim Alemao, Ankur Dutta and other members of the ExCo.

The Committee unanimously decided on the following topics:

1. Armando Colaco has been appointed as Team India's interim coach for four months. He will be in charge of the team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup - Asian qualifiers and the international Friendlies that have already been fixed up.

2. It has been decided to host India's 2014 FIFA World Cup - Asian qualifier against the UAE at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The match is slated for July 28.

3. The Committee ratified the decision to stick to the 3+1 format as far as foreign recruits in the I-League are concerned.

4. Furthermore, the Committee has referred the case of suspended Shillong Lajong FC player -- Saikhohao Tuboi -- to the Players Status Committee which is slated to meet on May 27.

5. The Committee gave its consent to Team India's Friendly matches (Olympic Under-23 Team) against Pakistan subject to clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

6. The Committee agreed that it is critical to appoint a Technical Director at the earliest to assist in the Development Programme and appointment of Coaches.

7. The President also congratulated Shillong Lajong FC and Sporting Clube de Goa for qualifying for next season's I-League. Both the teams, however, would have to meet the AFC Club Licensing criteria. The AFC Inspection Team is due to visit the two clubs on June 11/12.

8. The Committee also took the decision that efforts should be intensified to find a sponsor for the Indian Arrows team by May 31. In case no sponsor is found, a decision will be taken by the Emergency Committee about the future of the Arrows.

9. The Asian Football Confederation will conduct a workshop for I-League representatives in August and organise educational trips if necessary.

10. The proposal to hold the final phase of the 2nd Division League on a Home-and-Away basis has been referred to the Advisory Group on Competitions. The Advisory Group would also take a final decision on the participation of I-League Players in the local leagues.

11. The Committee also decided that National Team midfielder N.P. Pradeep should publish an advertisement in a National Daily (all editions -- at his own cost) making a disclaimer that he has not posted any derogatory comments on any Social Networking Website and also apologise for any disregard caused to the AIFF and its officials.

12. The Committee will request Doordarshan for the live telecast of the semifinal and the final of the 65th Santosh Trophy currently being played in Assam.

Cooperage Ground problems continue

One of Mumbai's biggest problems is the lack of grounds at all levels of football - professional, amateur, youth - but there is huge interest in the beautiful game in the financial capital of India as I myself saw a few weeks ago.

And the problem at the top level is just unacceptable then professional football cannot grow in Mumbai, forgot sustaining itself. Now over the years this has lead to the historic Rovers Cup being stopped, while successful Mahindra United closed down at the end of last season. One of the reasons given by Anand Mahindra was the lack of fans.

The Cooperage Ground is finally getting a FIFA sponsored artificial turf, but the grounds only stand is a total disgrace. Actually it is a risk for life to try to get onto the stand to watch a match, but the Western Indian Football Association nor the Mumbai District Football Association are able to develop the venue due to a PIL (public interest litigation) case.

Even the AIFF president Praful Patel in his old function as WIFA president couldn't do anything about the redevelopment of the ground due the PIL though the former
Maharashtra chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde allowed WIFA in 2003 to construct a full-fledged football stadium along with facilities like club house, restaurant, hotel and other commercial structures.

But in 2006 a PIL was filed by former IAS officer and former Mumbai municipal commissioner Jamshed Kanga along with members of the Oval Cooperage Residents Association against the development of the Cooperage Ground, which has not allowed even basic renovation work to happen.

Now there could be light at the end of the tunnel as a final date for the PIL's hearing has been fixed for April 20. Maybe thereafter the ground can finally be redeveloped to a basic standard to host I-League matches next season.

Also there has been talk of the redevelopment of the Cooperage ground by Reliance Industries under the partnership between the AIFF and IMG-Reliance. If the legal hurdles are sorted out it would be a welcome sign and only a first step, then Mumbai needs at least a second national standard ground for football to be played all year through.

If not football will suffer even more and then only a Anna Hazare like campaign could safe Mumbai football...


This is a blog entry I had written on the weekend of the 2010 FIFA World Cup last July on the same topic: The Cooperage tragedy continues .

Praful Patel: No problems with I-League

On the sidelines of the South Mumbai Junior Soccer Challenge opening on Saturday at the Cooperage Ground the AIFF president Praful Patel talked about the situation surrounding the I-League. Praful Patel told the present journalists, "There is no problem with the I-League. It is being strengthened. The process of having a new arrangement is underway at the AIFF."

"I can assure you that the AIFF's endeavour, in association with the Asian Football Confederation and FIFA, is to strengthen the I-League. The I-League, in fact, is being looked upon very appreciatively by the AFC and FIFA. Within a few weeks, things will fall in place," he added.

A very interesting statement from the AIFF president if one keeps the current situation of the I-League in mind. To say the I-League has no problems would be really far fetched, then for the first time in it's 14 year history India's national league has no TV partner and title sponsor at the same time though the AIFF are working to sort out both issues asap.

Surely this years league is seen as transitional before the I-League will become fully professional from next season onwards and it will be interesting to see how many of the 14 clubs will fulfill the AFC Club Licencing Criteria for I-League teams. At the moment it looks likely that we will have a smaller league next season.

For me the question comes-up, are Praful Patel and the AIFF already focusing on the I-League 2011/12 and are just playing this seasons league for the sake of having a league?

If that is the case then I would surely say a big mistake. Then what has been reported over the last few days about the I-League, the AIFF plus the issues of TV coverage and sponsorship are harming the reputation of the federation and Indian football in general in a big way. And the AIFF's reputation isn't the best anyway, so it could harm it even more.

Praful Patel: India in Top 100 in 3 years!

AIFF president Praful Patel on Saturday in Mumbai said, "Our aim is to break into the top 100 in three years. We have been sliding in the rankings consistently. We need to develop the infrastructure as well as concentrate on grass roots level development. That is possible only by making it totally professional."

So the AIFF president Praful Patel thinks that India can raise its rankings over the next three years to be amongst the top 100 in the FIFA world rankings. It is interesting to see that the president of our federation thinks we can achieve such an ambitious goal. But is it a realistic approach, if the AIFF currently is in no position to offer Bob Houghton the number of international friendlies wanted by him to prepare his side for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup?

The question has to be asked, but it isn't the first time the AIFF president is making such a statement in recent weeks. On September 12 at the "Football Players Association of India" awards 2010 night Praful Patel when I asked him about Indian football's future. The key as he termed it was infrastructure and youth development which needed to be developed over the next three to five years. So we need to judge Praful Patel and the AIFF as a whole on this in the month's and years to come.

And is it so easy to gain more then 60 spots in the rankings? It is a difficult proposition if we do not play in the continental qualifiers and ensure that our senior team plays and wins the SAFF Cup. Otherwise only playing international friendlies will not be enough for us to make this steep progress in the coming years.

Why? Simply put matches in the World Cup, continental championships ahead of the qualifiers get teams the most points, especially if sides can beat higher placed opponents. The least points are awarded for international friendlies. So the aim of Team India should be to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers group stage to play against higher ranked teams in Asia and cause some upsets and in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup ensure that we play the 2015 AFC Asian Cup. This would give our rankings a sure push in the coming month's and years.

Presidents Rule

The AIFF held their Executive Committee meeting yesterday, but the president Praful Patel arrived an hour late and no discussions were held on the pressing issues. Decisions were just taken or presented to the members present.

It was decided that the federations president will take up the contract issue with Bob Houghton and he later on informed the media about it in a press conference.

"I myself spoke to Houghton a few days back and reports that he has resigned are completely baseless. He has certain issues (with the AIFF) as expressed by his agent. But that does not mean he is no longer coach. He continues to be India coach and he will be there for the Asian Cup," Praful Patel said.

"The executive committee has authorised me to take appropriate steps (in the Houghton issue)," he added.


Houghton's resignation a media hoax?

That is what the AIFF president is indirectly saying.

So the question is, has he not been informed that Bob send the AIFF an email on Monday informing them about his resignation? And that Bob confirmed this to different journalists.

Not only the media, but the executive committee itself wasn't clear on the issue as the president himself will take up the issue when Bob returns to India.

Will Praful Patel ask Bob to stay until the end of the Asian Cup? Will his contract be extended until 2013 as Bob wants? And what about the salary rise Bob has asked for?

Questions over questions, but no real answers.

And if Bob is following all this tamasha, the real question is if he wants to continue under such circumstances.


Player Contracts

In a positive decision, the AIFF has finalised to give contracts starting from next month to January 2011 to 30 players chosen for the 2011 Asian Cup preparations.

The contracts will include a 15 percent hike from what the players received in the 2009/10 season. Some players, who had longer contracts or were likely to be offered higher salaries by clubs, might be offered more.


I-League 2010/11

The issue of Mahindra United pulling out of the I-League was discussed, but the AIFF was in no position to do anything about it.

The size and format of the next I-League has not be finalised yet.

As of now it is only fix that an India Junior national team will play in the I-League next season based in Delhi. While the AIFF president said at the press conference it would be the Under-19s, the AIFF website stated it would be the Under-21 side.

Praful Patel also said at the press conference that many corporates had come forward to field teams in the I-League, but he didn't mention any names as pull out of the I-League would have sadly been more realistic to talk about.


General Secretary

Before the president arrived certain executive committee members charged the General Secretary Alberto Colaco about the handling of the Bob Houghton issue plus also questioned him what he has done for the development of football in the last few years.

These members wanted a discussion if the General Secretary should continue, but once the AIFF president arrived this matter was no longer discussed.

Praful Patel said, “Alberto Colaco (incumbent) will be there till January 2011 and we have asked a head hunter firm to give us a list of candidates. After that we will short list and call for interview.”

It surely sounds an interesting way to find a new General Secretary.

Only will it serve Indian football...

Bob needs to stay!

It seems to be bad times for Indian football at the moment. First the news of Mahindra United pulling out of the I-League on Friday now the news of national football coach Bob Houghton sending in his resignation through an email from Cape Town yesterday.

While AIFF President Praful Patel was in denial mode, Bob Houghton confirmed his resignation to a news agency, “Yes, I have resigned. But it is a more complicated issue."

But Praful Patel has said he will try to convince Bob to at least stay on until January 2011, the end of the Asian Cup with captain Baichung Bhutia saying it would be disaster if Bob would leave now.

The players would be shocked if their loved coach would leave.

With the media covering the developing story even the general public knew that Bob could take this drastic step due to the differences with General Secretary Alberto Colaco coming out in the open.

Bob has been working for month's on plans on how to best prepare his team for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. And that is surely necessary with India set to face Asian powerhouses South Korea, Australia and Bahrain in Qatar.

Bob had planned and finalised camps in Portugal and Dubai, but friendly games against Asian opposition wasn't something which the AIFF was taking care off as was the case of contracts with the 30 international players, who wouldn't play for I-League sides until the end of the Asian Cup.

Only a couple of friendlies against Thailand has been set for September. Offers to tour England and other countries have been turned down.

But the situation got out of control when Bob got to know that AIFF officials were talking to agents to look for a replacement for him. This is why he has send in his resignation.

On the other side the seasoned coach has asked the AIFF to hike his monthly salary from 20,000 USD to 30,000 USD and extend his contract until 2013, which would mean Bob was willing to stay until the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

And the AIFF Executive Committee was set to discuss the salary hike on Friday, May 7. In all likelihood they would have passed it in the interest of Indian football.

Now the question is can the AIFF convince Bob Houghton to stay on our national coach. And if not, what would be plan b.

At least the people behind this big mess should stand-up and take responsibility.
Otherwise things will continue the way they have been running within the federation for decades.

I can only ask Bob, please don't leave us now...