The first FIFA event in India, the U-17 World Cup, has already been a huge success. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is now trying to get the hosting rights for another World Cup - the U-20 version to be held in 2019
The first FIFA event in India, the U-17 World Cup, has already been a huge success. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is now trying to get the hosting rights for another World Cup - the U-20 version to be held in 2019. AIFF President Praful Patel was visibly happy at the stupendous success of his 'Dream Project'.
AIFF chief Praful Patel
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"It's been an astounding success in terms of conducting the games, development of infrastructure and involvement of fans. It is the highest attended tournament at this level and the teams as well as the FIFA officials have expressed their satisfaction.
Supportive Indian fans
"I have been invited by FIFA to address the FIFA Council today in Kolkata. We are in the process of bidding for the Club World Cup in 2020 and 2021, besides the U-20 World Cup in 2019. With the Indian fans showing such enthusiasm and passion, FIFA might think about supporting our campaign by giving us an opportunity to host these events in future. FIFA and AIFF will work hand in hand to take this even further," said Patel.
The fact that the last U-20 World Cup was hosted by South Korea — an Asian country — might go against India. Usually, FIFA doesn't allow countries from the same continent to host back-to-back U-20 World Cups.
Patel thanks Kolkata
Patel thanked the people of Kolkata for making the shifted semi-final a grand success overnight: "As soon as the news broke, there was more than hundred thousand people waiting to get their tickets. More than 66,000 attended the game. The attendance at all the six venues reflect the passion of the Indian people towards the game and I have no hesitation to say that India has arrived at the world stage."
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