|
Q: What are your views on Indian Football? A: Well, I can only say that India is a sleeping giant. India had qualified for the World Cup way back in 50’s. But, as I am told, since Indian players used to play barefooted at that time, they were disqualified from participating, I don’t know how far this story is true, but I shall definitely check the records, as soon as I go back to FIFA HQ. Till the 60’s India was a big name in Asian Football but thereafter the decline started. To revive from this decline, India must be self sufficient in its national football infrastructure. Q: Will FIFA accept to sign any new grant for the betterment of Indian Football? A: We look at things in a different perspective. We felt that there is a need to concentrate on the subcontinent because it has always been left out. Football here is far away from the better one. But, I won’t say there is no progress, there is, and it is very much evident from the masses that participate in this game and the enthusiastic supporters. Putting lots of money is not the only solution. Even some of the other poor African countries have told FIFA that they don’t want only the money, football is education and it needs a collective effort to uplift the stature of football, especially in countries like India. Moreover, the AFC 2003 phase 2 Goal Project will start from 18.04.2007 and India must follow it. But I don’t promise any financial help right now. It will be decided after the meeting with the Corporate House Businessmen on 17th APRIL in Delhi, and when we prepare an inventory of what is needed after discussing with your Prime minister and AIFF chief Mr. Dasmunshi. Q: According to you what are the basic requirements for upbringing the game in India? A: As we have said earlier that we have a vision: Win in India with India, it means India should improve its infrastructure first. Help yourself and the heaven will help you. FIFA is always there to help improve your infrastructure but it’s your own duty to sort out the odds yourself. It always gives you satisfaction when you yourself are involved in a project. There is an old saying, don’t catch the fish for your brother; teach him how to catch it. India is a rich country and I am sure that, with the proper infrastructure and culture of football at an early stage, be it in schools or universities or at the Regional or what you say the State Leagues; Indian football will definitely improve a lot. Q: How would you compare our club level football with that of the other world famous club level teams like Manchester United or Chelsea? A: Well, it is too far to compare your clubs to that of Manchester United or Chelsea. They have near about one million active members and just imagine if each one of them contributes at least ten dollars, then how much would it count? Similarly, Chelsea, which had lot of money poured in by a Russian multimillionaire, has its own pool of quality players and they have a wonderful infrastructure!! But, yes your clubs are too good; some of them are even older than FIFA. But it is too early to compare them with those clubs rather they may be compared with similar kind of clubs as in Sweden. Q: Will FIFA provide more opportunities of having foreign coaches and training facilities? A: Sure, as I said, FIFA is always there to help you. Among the 208 countries, we provide a One Million Dollar financial help to each country a year. But first India needs to improve its football infrastructure. Football is education. Football is a part of the society, and we need to inject football into the community at an early stage with the help of proper training and infrastructure. I would again say, help yourself and the heaven will help you. It’s your country, and you know it better how to sort out the odds. Once you do that, FIFA is always there to carry you forward. Q: What do you think is the remedy for the less publicity of the game in India, because of the dominance of Cricket, though football is much cheaper and more glamorous sport? A: Well, I think it’s because of the colonialism touch that cricket has an upper hand in your country. But, as I said, if you employ the proper methodologies and improve your football infrastructure, then, I don’t say that your country would win the World Cup, but definitely it can go a long way, in the near future. Q: Thank you Sir for visiting India and exchanging your views on Indian Football. A: It’s my pleasure to be in such a country which is rich in culture and with so many enthusiastic supporters. It’s good to see that the youth of your country does have an interest in the universal sport: football. Wish your country and its football, all the best.
|
NEXT: EXCLUSIVE SEPP BLATTER