Imbroglio won’t have a negative impact on the game, says Praful Patel

June 04, 2015 02:24 am | Updated November 16, 2021 05:00 pm IST - CHENNAI:

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president, Praful Patel, said the federation based its decision to vote at the FIFA Presidential election in Zurich recently on the development work in the region and not on individual preferences.

“We (the AIFF) don’t support individuals. We don’t vote for someone because we are getting something. We back whoever is good for the development of football in the region,” Patel told The Hindu during a telephonic conversation.

In recent times, football in India has received a fillip. In December 2013, FIFA had announced India as the host for the 2017 under-17 World Cup.

The inaugural franchise-based Indian Super League last year drew huge footfalls at the stadiums — a rarity in Indian football — and was praised by Blatter.

Patel thinks the developments in Switzerland and the US, and Blatter’s resignation four days after winning a fifth term in office, won’t hamper the growth of the game in the country.

“Blatter’s resignation won’t affect the continued development of Indian football or even the day-to-day running of FIFA,” said Patel.

“The AIFF will keep a close watch on the developments and react accordingly.”

He agreed that the world governing body is facing a crisis.

“The recent events have affected the image of FIFA, but I don’t think it will have a negative impact on football, the most popular game in the world,” Patel said.

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