AIFF in talks with corporates for building National Centre of Excellence

All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Praful Patel Thursday said it is in talks with corporate houses to fund the building of its state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata.

Patel said this while chairing its Annual General Body Meeting.

"The AIFF is also in the process of developing a state of the art National Centre of Excellence in Rajarhat, Kolkata. The land is in the heart of the city and work is slated to begin soon. It will cost us Rs. 200 crores, and we are in talks with some corporates," Patel said.

Wishing luck to the Indian team for its forthcoming campaign in the AFC Asian Cup, Patel recollected the upward journey of the team from 173 to 97 in the FIFA Rankings.

"The Indian football team have been doing well and have stitched a string of victories. I wish them good luck in their campaign in the forthcoming Asian Cup.

"We have been drawn in Group A and there are tough matches ahead. Nonetheless, we will definitely hope that team comes out with flying colours."