News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » AFC chief critical of India's facilities

AFC chief critical of India's facilities

April 16, 2007 18:42 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam was critical of India's poor soccer set-up on Monday.

"With the actual constructions Indian football has, I don't think that India should dream about being at world level even after 100 years," he told journalists.

The Asian soccer chief in on a four-day visit of India along with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

Hammam said he had visited the facilities of three of the best Indian clubs in Kolkata on Sunday and saw no future for the clubs.

"Companies from outside are willing to buy clubs in India, but are not sure what the rules and regulations are (in India)," he said.

On Sunday, Blatter said the sport's governing body has big plans for India in their Vision Asia plan and also announced a special solidarity financial support of $400,000.

"In the 1960s, the national team was good, but India has probably lost its way," he told Reuters.

Twice Asian Games winners, India beat Japan in the bronze medal playoff at the 1970 Games before Japan became Asia's soccer powerhouse and India began its slide towards obscurity.

A nation of 1.1 billion people, India is ranked 165th in the world.

"There are promising footballers, good technical play, but seeing the stadiums it looks like they were built in past centuries with no renovations made," Blatter said on Monday.

"Football has a history in India but we have to prepare for a better future."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025