E-Paper
India expresses interest to host FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019
Preparing to organise the U-17 World Cup later this year, AIFF president Praful Patel has said hosting the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2019 would be the next “logical step for the development of football in India”.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Tuesday submitted an expression of interest to host the Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2019.
Preparing to organise the U-17 World Cup later this year, AIFF president Praful Patel has said this would be the next “logical step for the development of football in India”.
(Read | FIFA U-17 World Cup: India’s group games set to be moved to Delhi)
“With India hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 this year in October, we feel hosting the U-20 World Cup would be the best way to sustain the footballing momentum in India.
“Even though the event was held earlier this year in Asia in Korea Republic, we would be happy to discuss with FIFA about the possibility of hosting the event in India in 2019,” he said.
(Read | FIFA U-17 World Cup ticket sales in Delhi, Goa still a concern: Javier Ceppi)
The format of the U-20 World Cup is the same as that of the U-17 World Cup - with 24 teams playing out of six venues.
The U-17 World Cup will be held in India from October 6-28 across six centers.
(Read | FIFA satisfied with progress for hosting U-17 World Cup)
Patel had earlier indicated that India would bid for the U-20 World Cup in 2019, drawing from the experience of hosting the U-17 event.
“We have told the FIFA Competitions Committee that we are keen to host the event at the earliest available opportunity in 2019, and this will further give a boost to our grassroots initiatives,” Patel said.
