Team Herald
PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club Chairman Shrinivas V Dempo has been nominated as the Goa venue director for the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA under-17 World Cup India 2017 by tournament director Javier Ceppi.
Ceppi has stated: “Dempo has been an instrumental part throughout the complete process since India was allotted the rights to host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 way back in December 2013. You were the one that pushed things forward for the first FIFA inspection visit conducted by I Alvarez back in February 2014 and your faith and support in Goa was one of the biggest reasons as to why it was selected as a venue not only for the World Cup but also for the AFC U-16 championship 2016.”
“As such we could not think of a more perfect fit to become the Goa venue director for the local organising committee of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017. The venue director is the highest position at each venue level and it is responsible to ensure that everything goes on as per the plans and requirements and its venue is able to to deliver a fantastic show for the tournament,” Ceppi added.
“We are sure that with your continuous support and attention, Goa will strive as a venue for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 and we are delighted to have you on board to see the complete journey of delivering the first football world in our country. Welcome to the LOC, let’s change the future of Indian football together,” summed up Ceppi.
Valanka Alemao, CEO of Churchill Brothers Football Club also congratulated Shrinivas on the appointment as the venue director.
Meanwhile, senior sports journalist and chief adviser of Sports Journalists Association of Goa (SJAG) Jovito Lopes and its president Niraj Prabhu congratulated Shrinivas on the crucial appointment which they said was a great honour and prestige for all Goans and the Goan football fraternity in particular.
“With his rich and varied experience as chairman of Dempo SC, former president of GFA and ex-vice president of AIFF, Shrinivas will do full justice for the challenging but exciting task that he has been entrusted with and Goa will look forward to a superb, flawless organisation of the Under-17 World Cup matches at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda and also not forgetting that he would have to work hard to see that the match practice venues are in top order,” Lopes remarked.
” It is the most appropriate selection given the vast and glorious contribution of Shrinivas and the house of Dempos for football development, wherein Dempo Club rose to be one of the most outstanding Goan clubs.” stated Aleixo Costa, CEO and member secretary of GFDC.
