‘Lack of infrastructure, long-term vision hampering growth of football in Delhi’- AIFF Secretary

All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) general secretary Kushal Das has said that the lack of infrastructure and long-term vision has been hampering the growth of football in the national capital. 

Das’s remarks came during an e-summit organised by the Football Delhi organisation., which is the governing body of the sport in Delhi. 

“Infrastructure is a problem in Delhi. After the U-17 World Cup, we have stadiums so much superior to the Ambedkar Stadium. The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium is not a football stadium. The experience there was so bad during ISL games,” Das was quoted as saying to Goal.com

“The capital is very important, so are the other cities. The AIFF has the structure and the knowledge base to help the state association. We can create a structure that is necessary for football to thrive again in Delhi. It will take some time but if you come to us, we are very willing to help,” he added.

Being the national capital, Delhi should have one of the best infrastructures in the country. He said that Football Delhi should come up with a better strategic plan in order to have new sponsors for the Delhi state team. 

“That is why it is very important that Football Delhi comes and works with the AIFF. If we work together, we can come up with a vision document. With that, you approach someone who has passion and money,” he added.

Das also said that granting special rights to Delhi shouldn’t be considered as the rules are equal for everyone. 

“I don’t think that would be fair at all. It would be absolutely unfair. The AIFF has the technical know-how to support Football Delhi in terms of competitions, creating vision document, youth development, and grassroots,” Das concluded.