AIFF to submit bid shortly for U-17 FIFA World Cup

The AIFF president Praful Patel today expressed confidence of winning the right to host the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 with the bid to be submitted shortly as scheduled.
"Our bids will reach FIFA as schduled," Patel said, when asked when the bid would be submitted.
"Hopefully, we are getting the tournament and hope we will listen in on this in a couple of months," Patel said.
Speaking about guarantee, Patel said, "The Union Cabinet has already supported bids and all state governments, where ever we are holding matches, have been asked to give guarantee."
The Union Cabinet had cleared the tournament in June. Ireland, Uzbekistan and South Africa were the other three bidders.

The expenses incurred in organising the event would be borne by FIFA and AIFF, with the government to take care of construction and renovation of stadiums, besides earmarking Rs 25 crore as contingency to ensure smooth conduct of the tournament.

The expenditure for upgradation of stadia (Rs 95 crore) would be provided as additional central assistance to the state governments.
Meanwhile, speaking about controversies surrounding I-League, Patel said this was a prime tournament and it remained as such.
He said that disussions had been held including with IMG, AIFF, Reliance and there was absolute unanimity.
"I am sure there is no dispute. A lot of misunderstanding has been created for the wrong reasons," Patel said over alleged differences.