FIFA chief likely to meet PM during his India visit
World football body, FIFA's President, Joseph Blatter is likely to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to the country on March 9.
World football body, FIFA's President, Joseph Blatter is likely to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to the country on March 9.
Blatter, who will be in the country for the second time after his visit in 2007, will seek an update on the developmental work under the financial assistance from the world body.
Blatter's visit is also being seen by All India Football Federation as a chance to push for the country's case for hosting the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, which would guarantee India's participation for the first time in a world-level event.
Blatter, who will be in Nepal during the AFC Challenge Cup starting from Thursday, will meet the Executive Committee members of the AIFF who are expected to apprise him of the various developmental works in the country, including FIFA projects.
Though on a courtesy visit, Blatter will be keen to know about India's infrastructural preparedness to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup, which, if awarded, will be the biggest football event in the country.
FIFA is supporting setting up of four academies in India in Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi.
Blatter had earlier visited India in 2007 on the occasion of AIFF's Platinum jubilee celebrations and also witnessed National Football League derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in Kolkata.