AIFF Centre of Excellence to come up in Kolkata: Patel

The All India Football Federation's National Centre of Excellence will come up in Kolkata, AIFF president Praful Patel said on Friday.

Patel made the announcement after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered 15 acre of land at Rajarhat in the city's north eastern fringes.

The NCoE will come up in two years time.

Patel had a month back announced that the NCoE would be set up, with the facility becoming the home of the Indian national team, junior and women's team.

On Thursday Patel said he has spoken to the visiting FIFA chief Gianni Infantino seeking support for the project in whichever way possible.

Banerjee came up with the offer for land at a dinner hosted by her government in honour of Infantino and other FIFA officials on the eve of the U-17 World Cup final.

She said her government would be always be ready to extend a helping hand.

Later on she posted on Facebook: "A wonderful cultural programme was presented on the occasion.

Bengal is indeed proud to host the U-17 World Cup matches including the grand final.

Kolkata created a World Record of hosting a FIFA World Cup Quarter Final, a Semi Final and the FINAL in One Single City.... Our Beautiful Kolkata!!!."

Officials of the world soccer governing body were greeted with beats of bhangra, an Odishi dance recital by danseuse Dona Ganguly and savoured Bengal's fish delicacies.

They were attired in Indian ethnic wear designed by Agnimitra Paul.

--IANS

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