India submits bid to host FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017

India have officially submitted a bid to host the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017.

According to Goal, The All India Football Federation (AIFF) submitted the necesary documents to FIFA just a day before the November 15 deadline.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said, “Yes, we have submitted the World Cup bid. We have got all the guarantees from the government. Mr.Sunando Dhar (I-League CEO) submitted the bid for us,”

The bid was delayed due to a lot of red tape and ministries not working on the documents on time. Guarantees like tax exemptions for broadcasters and sponsors, foreign exchange remittances, security, transport and accommodation of players and provision of visas were dealt with.

Das was also quick to praise the Indian President who helped speed things up, “It was not easy but our president, Mr.Praful Patel played a very crucial role and got it done at the right moment. Now we are fairly hopeful that our bid will be considered.”

India will be competing with Ireland, Uzbekistan and South Africa to host the prestigious tournament.

FIFA’s Executive Committee will make the final decision when it meets on on December 3.