Will Yuva Bharati Host U-17 World Cup Final?
[caption id="attachment_7355" align="alignnone" width="580"]
Salt lake Stadium. Image Source: File Pic[/caption]
Kolkata: The prestigious Saltlake Stadium had hosted some historical matches in the past like Argentina Vs Venezuela in 2011 where Lionel Messi was the player of attraction, Nehru Cup etc. Salt lake stadium, the biggest stadium in India in terms of capacity had earlier acquired the services of Former World cuppers like Oliver Kahn, Carlos Dunga, Rene Higuita, Gurd Mueller etc. who had played here. European Giants like Bayern Munich played against local giants Mohun Bagan which was co-incidentally Oliver Kahn’s farewell match. A stadium with such strong history, will it get the chance to host the U-17 World Cup final?
FIFA delegates like Mr. Jaime Yarza, Head of Events and Mr. Javier Ceppi, Tournament Director inspects the Saltlake Stadium. They were accompanied by Mr. Subrata Dutta, Chairman, Infrastructure Committee AIFF, Mr. Aroop Biswas, Hon’ble Sports Minister, West Bengal, Mr. Sayeed Ahmed Baba, Principal Secretary and Mr. Jyotishman Chattopadhayay, CEO, Yuva Bharati Krirangan. They could not assure of Salt lake hosting the final but they assured that Salt lake will get an important match as they are aware of the football craze in Kolkata. They are also aware of the two local giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan rivalry and how thousands of people make their way leaving all their works to watch the derby. East Bengal-Mohun Bagan rivalry is one of the biggest rivalry in Asia, the delegates are well aware of this fact. But the FIFA delegates are unhappy with the crowd refusing to turn up for the other league matches and international matches.
[caption id="attachment_7371" align="alignnone" width="580"]
FIFA officials visired the SAI Complex. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption]
Jaime Yarza, FIFA Head of Events revealed, “ We can’t comment on anything right now as ter final inspection is still to be done in October. We have proposed some changes in the infrastructure to the State Government. They are planning accordingly. Our aim is to not only hosting a World Cup in Salt Lake but to develop Indian football by any means. FIFA is taking strong legacy in marketing, coaching and developing Indian football. "On further asking Jamie about what kind of changes to be done, he later added,” Minor changes are needed to be done like Television Satellite link, Media room etc. Otherwise everything is more or less fine. But we have insisted the State Government and AIFF for a good hotel and good practice pitch for the teams which is very important.”
On asking Javier Ceppi about Salt lake hosting the final match, he quoted, “ We will submit the report to FIFA and then come for a final inspection at October and will decide then. As it is a World cup event, so all the matches are equally important. I am aware about the craze amongst fans about soccer. Accordingly we will set the schedule and provide Salt Lake Stadium with a very important match."
West Bengal Sports Minister, Aroop Biswas later added, “FIFA delegates are happy with the process the stadium is being worked on. Whatever they have proposed to us, we will set up accordingly. We will make Yuva Bharati, a world class stadium before they come for a final inspection in October.”
AIFF Senior Vice-president and Chairman, Infrastructure Committee signed off saying, “Thanks to the FIFA delegates. We will completed the renovation work the before their arrival in October and hand it over to them. I must mention that West Bengal Government, as they are investing a lot for the re-innovation of the stadium and they have assured AIFF that there will be no shortage of money.”
