The Cabinet has given the go-ahead to the country’s ambitious bid to host the Under-17 Football World Cup in 2017, thus boosting the chances of organising the tournament that is already being backed by Fifa secretary-general Jerome Valcke.
"The Cabinet gave its approval to the proposal for submitting guarantees sought by the All-India Football Federation from the government for their bid to host the Federation Internationale de Football Association (Fifa) Under-17 World Cup Football Tournament in 2017 in the country," a statement issued by the sports ministry Said yesterday.
Till now uncertainty loomed large over the bid as the Fifa, world football's governing body, needed guarantees on tax exemption, security, transport and accommodation of players, visa and foreign exchange. The first bid was rejected in January due to insufficient assurances from the government.But with the government today giving the green signal in providing guarantees that would meet Fifa's basic requirements, it has paved the way for a strong bid. While the expenses of hosting the event will be borne by Fifa and AIFF, the government has assured additional financial assistance.
