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FIFA sells India 2018 World Cup dream With the qualification process getting tougher than ever before, India's best chance of playing in the FIFA World Cup could only be by hosting football's showpiece event. FIFA president Sepp Blatter, currently on a three-day visit to the second most populous nation in the world, knows it all too well. Blatter said if FIFA continues with its rotation policy, Asia could host the World Cup in 2018 and India can certainly be a part. "Going by the economic progress India is making, the important question in my mind is, 'Is India 2018 ready'?" Blatter said during an interactive session organised by the all-powerful Confederation of Indian Industries. "On the basis of their sheer economic progress Japan and South Korea got the 2002 World Cup. As the World Cup is awarded to different continents on rotation basis, 2006 went to Germany (Europe), 2010 to South Africa (Africa) and Brazil has staked claim for the 2014. 2018 will be a good platform for India to arrive at the world football scene," the FIFA president explained. As and when the World Cup is allotted to Asia, Australia – who have joined the Asian Football Confederation -- will remain the frontrunners with China and Qatar also in the picture. However, with New Delhi hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games and, almost-certainly, 2014 Asian Games, India will not be too far away. Courtesy : goal.com FIFA initiative to bring Zidane, Beckenbauer to India FIFA President Joseph Sepp Blatter on his historic visit to India on Sunday stated that the future market of World Football lies in Asia and India and China being among the largest growing economies of the World has a major role in promoting and developing the game. "AFC has launched 'Vision Asia' programme in 2003 for development of football in Asia. The project 'Win in India with India' in assistance with AFC and FIFA should help in improving the Football standards in this country. But, in order to make it successful, it has to be supported by the politicians, communities, government, media and fans," Blatter said at a crowded press conference in Kolkata.
"It (this project) does not mean that you will become World Champions in 2010. But, it will give you the guidelines as to where and how to go."
"Its like a pyramidal structure. You start with young people, may be at school level. But, in India, that’s a federal problem. Then, you move to the regional or provincial level. After that, you come the AIFF umbrella and play at the club or professional league level." Blatter said.
"But, for that, you need human resources in management, coaching, teachers, technical infrastructure."
"India is a rich country. There will be enough means to generate the money through various channels."
"But, before that, Football has to be brought under social and cultural environment. Necessary infrastructure like small stadia, professional league has to be created."
"Football cannot exist alone. It has to be made a part of social, cultural, economic and political atmosphere."
"But, the will, wish, determination and dedication has to be there along with political support."
"Mr. Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi (AIFF President) needs to constitute a solution along with AFC and prepare a time-table as to how to improve the Football standard in India." Blatter stated.
Blatter also spoke about India's Football history. He said, "India had made a mark in Asian Football in the 1950's, 60's and 70's. It had also qualified for the World Cup in 1950. But, it did not play then due to boots problem." But, the irony is that India’s current FIFA ranking stands at an abysmal 165.
Regarding the financial aspects, Blatter stated that FIFA provides a grant of $1 million to each of their 208 associate members.
"In another financial and solidarity support termed as 'Goal Project', we give $400,000." Blatter said.
"For India, this is the second 'Goal Project'. Infact, there are lot many development programmes in FIFA - for coaches, administrators, marketing, television. India can ask for anything."
Blatter also conveyed a message to all the people out there that saying, "Football teaches us the essence of life - Discipline, Respect, True Sportsmanship Spirit, How To Win In Losing."
"Its a universal game. And, India is a growing and booming economy. So, there is a lot of untapped potential in India." he stated. |
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