MARGAO: A FIFA delegation led by FIFA Head of Events, Jaime Yarza and Javier Ceppi, Tournament Director (Local Organizing Committee) of the FIFA 2017 U-17 World Cup inspected the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda-Margao, on Tuesday.
The team were happy with the progress but has addressed some concerns and will take over the venue after the I-League season concludes end of April.
Goa is one of the six provisional venues for hosting the 17th edition of the tournament that India will host next year. The other venues are Kochi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati and New Delhi.
Also present were GFA’s Vice-President (South) Shubert Furtado, SAG Director Sandeep Jacques, AIFF Observer Savio Messias; Sports Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar, Srinivas Dempo and other officials.
Speaking to the media, Jaime Yarza, FIFA Head of Events said, “I am happy and satisfied with the work. We will be suggesting some changes which needs to be implemented and we will interact with the Local Organizing Committee and will prepare a detailed report.”
He further stated that, “Some technical changes are needed in the goal area, washrooms, dressing rooms which should be according to FIFA standards.
The main ground will be the Nehru Stadium for the FIFA U-17 2017 World Cup matches in Goa while the training grounds include Athletic Stadium at Bambolim, Benaulim, Utorda and Tilak Maidan, Vasco.
Sports Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar said that, “The two major events, the AFC Cup and U-17 World Cup being the major ones, much stress will be laid on to complete the renovation by June or July as we have successfully organized the Lusofonia Games too.”
When reporters asked about the Media Centre, Jaime said, “We will have a proper place some where at the centre with media tribune with special passage without any distraction from spectators’ entry.”
The level of football will be high level with teams like Brazil, Australia in action.
“The quality of football will be world class and you will see more spectators and not like I-League, it has to be much more than that. This will be one of the best tournaments to be held in India,” disclosed Javier Ceppi.
Jaime informed that they were happy with the cooporation received from the State Government and are working hard for the success of the tournament.
