TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: With India having won the rights to host the Under-17 World Cup in 2017, Inaki Alvarez and Vijay Parthasarthy, FIFA’s Director of Competitions and competitions manager gave the thumps-up to Goa as a venue after conducting an inspection of the facilities of the six grounds in Goa including the main stadium Nehru Stadium, Fatorda on Saturday.
“The first impression is very positive. We can see the commitment of the people,” said the FIFA official.
Speaking to media, Inaki Alvarez said “We have inspected all the eight venues which All India Football Federation has selected we will submit the report to the FIFA Governing body and after their feedback which will take a while as it is a long process, we will announce the six venue next year.”
Alvarez added “The local and central government along with the local football committee is supporting us which is vital in conducting the tournament.”
“It is very important to have these kind of facilities and installations for the Under-17 World Cup and we are impressed with the facilities,” voiced Alvarez.
When asked about the artificial turf at the stadium, the FIFA officials said “It is okay.”
The FIFA delegation arrived in Goa after conducting the inspection at Pune and will now travel to Mumbai which is one of the eight venues identified by AIFF. They will also inspect other venues during the coming week.
The other venues are Bangalore, Kerala, Kolkata, Delhi and Shillong.
The two member FIFA panel along with Anil Kamat, Assistant General Secretary of the AIFF and Director of Competitions, Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA’s Development Officer, South and Central Asia, Roma Khana, Manager Club Licensing, Shrinivas Dempo, Vice President of AIFF and President of GFA, Sandip Jaques, Executive Director, SAG, Alberto Colaco, Secretary SAFF, Schubert Furtado GFA Zonal Secretary, Anthony Pango GFA member and Adlear D’Cruz GFA Secretary had a close look at all quarters. The panel inspected the stadium and checked the facilities such as player’s dressing rooms, medical room, pitch, referees room and parking facilities.
