FIFA seminar kicks off in capital

The seminar is being attended by all general secretaries and technical directors of the SAFF countries, including India, along with a high profile FIFA and AFC delegation.

Dato Alex Soosay, the general secretary of the AFC, in the opening speech, stressed on the 'developmental aspects of the sport".

"A common goal brings all of us here," Soosay maintained, as he highlighted the issue of IT and online registration.

"The game has undergone so many changes since the AFC had its first meeting of the general secretaries in the 90s. Club football forms the nucleus of development," he added.

Soosay also congratulated India on winning the Nehru Cup.

The seminar is being organised on the sidelines of the visit of Jerome Valcke, secretary general, FIFA. Valcke arrived in the Capital today evening.

The day also witnessed a presentation from Cyril Loisel, head of development projects. Loisel highlighted the challenges of football development in South Asia and importance of a long-term view.

"Generation of revenue and development of infrastructure is pertinent for the growth of the game," he opined. "But at the same time, we need to remember about the potential of the region, specially the popularity of the sport and the business opportunities involved within it."

Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA regional developmental officer for South and Central Asia, brought to light the ongoing developmental process in the SAFF region. The general secretaries of the various countries who were present also took part the interactive session.

James Johnson, director, member associations and development, AFC, in his presentation pointed out AFC's new development programme. He also brought to limelight as to how the AFC Club Licensing System can be used as a "developmental tool".