FIFA delegation inspects Kochi stadium

Kochi: A three-member FIFA delegation headed by Deputy Director of competitions, Inaki Alvarez, today visited the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, which has been shortlisted by the All India Football Federation to host the U-17 World Cup in 2017, for preliminary inspection.

The two other members of the delegation were Vijay Parthasarthy, FIFA`s competitions manager and Shaji Prabhakaran, FIFA South and Central Asia Development officer. Later speaking to reporters, Alvarez said the place has history and tradition of football. "What we have seen so far is very encouraging. It is good to see that there is commitment and passion for football," he said. The delegation had met Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here last night. Chandy assured them of all assistance. India has eight proposed venues from which six would be selected. The delegation has already visited Mumbai, Pune, Goa and Bangalore, and would be visiting New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati.