Praful Patel was unanimously re-elected as the president of All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the third term in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, at the Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi. The 59-year-old who has been the chief of AIFF since 2012 was appointed as a senior vice-president of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) earlier this year. This immediately comes after Patel having served as the vice-president of the South East Region for the AFC since last year. He has been involved with the development of grassroots football in India.
Praful Patel’s relation with neighbouring football association bosses has also benefitted him in guiding Indian football during his tenure. The decision to re-appoint someone who is thorough with the laws of the game will surely prove to be a blessing in disguise for Indian football in the foreseeable future.
“On behalf of the AIFF, I can assure you of the highest standard of ethics and transparency. I thank all of you for your support and am grateful for your continuous support. I take pride in the fact that I have been given the honour of heading one of the most professional sports bodies in the Country,” said Praful Patel after being re-elected as the AIFF president for the third term as quoted by AIFF’s official website.
Honoured to be reelected as AIFF President. I thank all states and all stakeholders in Indian football. @IndianFootball
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) December 21, 2016
Did you know that even FIFA chief Gianni Infantino have recently claimed that Indian football is developing at a steady pace under the leadership of Praful Patel. The acknowledgment was also because of India successfully becoming the hosts of 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. FIFA delegates have already approved Kolkata, New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Margao, and Kochi as the venues of the upcoming extravaganza.
