New Delhi, April 6 (IANS): All India Football Federation president Praful Patel was elected a FIFA council member at the 29th AFC Congress Malaysia held in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. A total of five candidates including Patel were elected in addition to the AFC president, and one female member for the 2019-2023 term.
Moments after being elected a FIFA Council member, Patel thanked all for their support. "I am extremely humbled. I express my gratitude to all the members of the AFC who felt me suitable for the post," he said. "The responsibility as a FIFA Council member is huge. I would not only be representing my own Country but the entire Continent. Thank you all for your confidence for rapid progress of football in Asia," he stated.
Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation congratulated Patel on the achievement. "We at AIFF are extremely proud of him. This is a major development for India's Football fraternity. Best wishes on his new endeavour," he expressed.
Under Patel's leadership, AIFF has been awarded the AFC's President Recognition Award for Grassroot at the AFC Annual Awards in 2014 in Manila, and was awarded AFC Award for the AFC Best Developing Member Association at the AFC Annual Awards in 2016 in Abu Dhabi.
The successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India in 2017 drew lavish praise from all quarters, and India have also successfully won the bid to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2020. Furthermore, the Indian Club Licensing system has also been dubbed as one of the 'best in Asia.'
Hailing Patel's election as a 'landmark for Indian Football' AIFF senior vice president Subrata Dutta said: "Congratulations to Patel. He fully deserves this honour. His leadership has taken Indian Football to higher heights. Asian Football will immensely benefit from his presence as a FIFA Council member."
Won't break promise to meet I-League clubs
Newly-elected FIFA council member Praful Patel, on Saturday said he will use his position in the world body for the greater good of Indian football.
Speaking to IANS, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president said he would soon resolve the crisis that has arisen after seven I-League teams decided to boycott the Super Cup.
"I am happy with the victory here, because my election to FIFA council is also a proud moment for India. I also feel personally honoured to become the first Indian to represent the country in the council of the world body, which is a prestigious thing," said Patel, moments after a record-breaking victory during the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in Kuala Lumpur.
"This will help us to develop Indian football, help us to get more FIFA competition, more developmental funds, everything….it will help Indian football in the long run," he added.
A total of 5 candidates including Patel were elected to FIFA in addition to the AFC president, and one female member for the 2019-2023 term. Patel secured the highest number of votes among the candidates, getting 38 votes out of a possible 46. In the AFC Congress, he was accompanied by AIFF senior vice president Subroto Dutta and general secretary Kushal Das.
The AIFF boss said Indian football would remain his biggest priority despite being elected to FIFA. "My responsibility is Indian football. This position I have gained today would be also to use and help Indian football. I have to use this opportunity to take it to greater heights," he said.
Asked whether his elevated position in FIFA would help the Indian national team since it has been doing relatively well at the international level, Patel said: "That is one place where we have to work hard at the grassroots and increase all other activities to take the team forward. Of course I will use this position to get more international friendlies for India."
Patel said there was no going back on his promise to meet the I-League clubs this month.
"We will find a solution to the problem. The work is in progress. You should know, I am in the middle of elections. I have national election in hand and till today had this FIFA election. I promised to meet them (the clubs) after 11th. I will meet them. I have already told them about it," said Patel.
