State, district associations under fire from Bhutia

Expressing frustration over the lack of effort and professionalism on part of the state and district associations, former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia today said CEOs and development officers should be appointed at those places to keep a tab on the progress ahead of the 2017 Under-17 World Cup.
"Most of the district and state associations have never shown interest to conduct age-group tournaments in their places. No state would come forward with such initiative," Bhutia said during the International Football Convention at FICC here.
States, which are willing to appoint professionals, will be helped by the AIFF as far as appointments are concerned, Bhutia, who is also the chairman of AIFF's technical committee, said.

India had won the bid to host the Under-17 World Cup and Bhutia said yesterday that AIFF should start preparing to put up a quality team at the prestigious tournament to compete against the top sides.
Referring to non-payment of dues by Mohun Bagan to some of their players, Bhutia said the federation, clubs and state associations "should be more professional in dealing with such issues".
National football team coach Wim Koevermans and technical director Rob Baan said preparations are on the right track and kids born in or after 2000 are already being shortlisted keeping the event in mind.

Baan said that the master plan designed for U-17 World Cup will enormously boost the spirit of players and will encourage them to take up the sport.
"This World Cup marks the beginning of putting AIFF on football map. It is the first step for India to be recognised as a football playing nation," he said.