AIFF inks deal with Brazilian club

With an eye on the upcoming Fifa Under-17 World Cup in 2017, the AIFF on Thursday signed an agreement with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense in a bid to develop a competitive team.

Updated on: Nov 14, 2014, 04:00:59 IST

Hindustan Times | By HT Correspondent, New Delhi

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With an eye on the upcoming Fifa Under-17 World Cup in 2017, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Thursday signed an agreement with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense in a bid to develop a competitive team.

The one-year deal, beginning December, will see young Indian players practice for a minimum of 30 days at the club's premises, which was the base camp for the Spanish national team during the World Cup earlier this year.

"We want to prepare a competitive squad as hosts. If we don't, there won't be interest," said AIFF general secretary, Kushal Das.

Luis Sallim, Atletico vice-president, whose youth academy has seen players like Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, hoped the club can repay the faith shown by AIFF. "They could have chosen a club with bigger name but they have made the best choice because of our excellence in youth development."

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