By Duncan Mackay
June 28 – India is still hoping to launch a bid for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup but admit that they still have to receive Government support for the plan.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel announced in March in front of FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who was visiting the country as part of the 75th celebrations of the founding of its football governing body, that they would bid.
But the Government is refusing to rubberstamp any bid until all the major states show they are behind it.
“The Union Government wants an assurance of security from the states before giving us permission to bid,” said Kushal Das, the general secretary of the AIFF.
“We have the necessary permission from Assam, Kerala, Delhi and Goa.
“We are yet to get it from Benegal and Maharashtra.
“But we expect to get it in the next few days.”
If the bid is successful, Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Margao and Kochi are expected to be the host cities.
“There is no such deadline to submit the bid but we want to submit it as soon as possible.”
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