The fate of India as the host of FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2019 will be clear in the early part of next year, said the president of the world body, Gianni Infantino on Friday. The Indian federation, AIFF, recently made the bid, sending the official letter of intent to FIFA in September.
Appreciating the enthusiasm shown, Infantino said the successful hosting of the Under-17 world Cup will definitely be an “element” when the FIFA office evaluates the candidatures of the various applicants for the tournament. “This will now be analysed by the FIFA administration and presented to the Council for decision early next year,” Infantino said.
AIFF president Praful Patel made a presentation to the FIFA Council as a special invitee to the meeting. “I made a request to the FIFA president and the Council looking for their support to continue the development process starting with the hosting of the Under-17 World Cup,” said Patel during a joint news conference with Infantino.
“The Under-17 World Cup hosted by India has become most successful across all editions of the tournament. We have seen that the number people flocking the stadiums is the best so far. Young India wants good football and they support whoever is doing well in football,” added Patel.
Appreciating the efforts put by India in getting the infrastructure ready for the U-17 World Cup, Infantino said the country now needs to “cherish the good work that has happened with the competition. This is about leaving a legacy of good football culture in the minds of the Indians. There is true passion for football and one should nurture it.”
The FIFA president said adding that the Council has deliberated on amalgamating the two youth World Cups into one and having an “Under-18 or Under-19” tournament with 48 team teams in a yearly format after the 2019 edition.
Asked about the Indians’ performance, Infantino said he was impressed by their improvement. “I have watched the Indian U-17 team on TV. Yes, there is a gap but it is not that big as it was few years ago,” he said.
The FIFA president held out the biggest incentive to Indian football, though in jest, saying, “Forget cricket, football is the future of India!”
