Proud moment for football lovers: Praful Patel become first Indian FIFA council member

NewsBharati    06-Apr-2019
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Kuala Lumpur, April 6: Praful Patel was elected as a FIFA Council member, becoming the first Indian to enter the prestigious panel. A total of five candidates, including Praful Patel, were elected in addition to the AFC president and one female member for the term 2019-2013. Praful Patel got 38 out of 46 votes. The AIFF chief was one of the eight candidates vying for the spot in the election, which was held during the 29th AFC (Asian Football Confederations) Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Praful Patel has served as a former Civil Aviation Minister in 2004.

 

FIFA, the “Federation International Football Association” is an official member body which governs the state of international football. FIFA’s headquarters are situated in Zurich, Switzerland.

"I am extremely humbled. I express my gratitude to all the members of the AFC who felt me suitable for the post. 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 the rapid progress of football in Asia," Praful Patel stated.

Praful Patel was accompanied by AIFF general secretary Kushal Das and senior vice-president Subrata Datta. "Mr. Patel''s victory is a "landmark for Indian football". Congratulations to Mr. Patel. He fully deserves this honour. His leadership has taken Indian football to greater heights. Asian football will immensely benefit from his presence as a FIFA Council member," Datta told media.

The successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup drew praise from all quarters, and India has also won the bid to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2020. The Indian Club Licensing system has also been dubbed as one of the best in Asia.


On 14 February 2014, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was named the best national sports federation. Under Patel, the AIFF introduced the Indian Super League run by the Football Sports Development Pvt Ltd., it aims to ignite a revolution in Indian football at an international level. In April 2014, Patel announced of the eight franchise owners in the Indian Super League.