AIFF appoints Bhaichung Bhutia as an advisor
Bhaichung to advice the All India Football Federation on improving the national team's performance and also help in the development of the squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: October 18, 2015 03:33 PM IST
All India Football Federation on Sunday roped in former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia as an advisor to oversee the overall issues of the game and the Federation. (Read More in Football)
AIFF president Praful Patel tweeted by saying: 'Have appointed Bhaichung Bhutia as Advisor to #AIFF and myself for the overall issues of the game and the Federation.'
Have appointed Bhaichung Bhutia as Advisor to #AIFF and myself for the overall issues of the game & the Federation.
- Praful Patel (@praful_patel) October 18, 2015
"Welcome on board #Bhaichung. First call improving the #Indian National team and readying the boys for World Cup U17. #AIFF," he added.
AIFF general secretary Kushal Das was confident that Bhutia's inputs will be critical in improving the game in the country. "We look up to Bhaichung to advice us on improving the National Team's performance and also help in the development of the squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup."
"Furthermore, we look forward to his advice on the licensing criteria of State FAs, development of Clubs and all other domestic Competitions, both men and women and across all age groups," Das stated.
Bhutia, who is already the chairman of AIFF Technical Committee, told AIFF's Official Twitter handle @AIFFMedia that he was "looking forward" to the role.
"I intend to work and coordinate with all stakeholders including the clubs and the state FAs to take Indian Football forward," he informed.
"I would focus on Youth Development Programmes and restructuring and professionalizing the respective State Football Associations," he added.
"I want to form a core group to guide and provide support to the State Football Associations. The scouting programmes need to be in place as well as the Grassroots Programmes.
"We need to have a long term vision," he added.