The All India Football Federation (AIFF) would appoint chief executive officers in five state associations at its own cost, federation president Praful Patel announced here on Thursday.
"AIFF, in an effort to further promote the sport in various states, would be appointing CEOs in five state associations at AIFF's cost," Patel said, referring to the state association's criteria for technical support.
According to its strategic plan, the AIFF with support from FIFA will also improve the capacities of the state associations hosting the FIFA 2017 U-17 World Cup by appointing technical directors, the country's apex soccer governing body said in a release after its executive committee meeting at Football House.
"We will appoint the CEOs who will be on deputation for the next two years," he said.
The decision came close on the heels of AIFF's tie-up with German Football Association seeking technical support for further development of the sport.
Indian national team coach Stephen Constantine, India U-17 2017 World Cup head coach Nicolai Adam and technical director Scott O'Donnell were present at the parleys.