Fifa vice-president Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein has backed India’s bid to host the 2017 U-17 World Cup, stating that the event will help in the development of the game in the continent.
“I support India’s bid to host the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup. India is an important country in Asia and a crucial one for growth of the game,” Al- Hussein, part of the royal family of Jordan, was quoted as saying at function in the capital on Monday.
Al-Hussein’s backing will present a strong case for India when the Fifa executive committee, of which he is a member, will announce the host country for the event later this year.
One of the eight vice-presidents in the football’s world body, Al-Hussein also said that India should also be given representation in the AFC Champions League, Asia’s top-tier club competition.
“India should also be given representation in the AFC Champions League,” he added.
The Indian team do not get a direct berth in the AFC Champions League mainly because of lack of infrastructure in the country.