FIFA to Have Regional Development Office in India

FIFA, football’s world governing body, will soon be moving their regional development office (RDO) from Sri Lanka to India most likely headquartered in New Delhi.

The Fifa RDO is currently operating out of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

A two-man Fifa team comprising Jean Michael Benezet (technical director) and Thierry Regenass (development officer) made the announcement after inspecting the facilities at the Bangalore Football stadium on Saturday.

The officials also stressed that the two critical areas India should focus its development efforts on are infrastructure and youth development. 

“We see India as one of our most important strategic partners, which is why we are moving the development office from Colombo to India,” The Deccan Herald quoted Regenass as saying. 

“There are two primary things lacking in Indian football. The first is obviously the infrastructure. The second one is grassroots football. We are committed to ensure that both these aspects are taken care of with the help of AIFF (All India Football Federation).

“We realise a more hands-on approach is needed to develop football, hence the decision to set up the Development Office here New Delhi.”

Stressing on the importance of grassroots development, Regenass commented. “Football is like a pyramid. You have your professional league, the I-League, at the top, which is fine. But you also need the base, which is your grassroots football. Only by developing that and by getting kids to play more and more football can you as a country move ahead.”

Both officials said that they were happy with the facilities and the newly laid pitch at the Bangalore Football stadium. “I came here four years ago and the difference between then and now is massive. The Fifa Goal project is moving along well and will be vital to developing football in Bangalore,” he said, referring to the academy being set up next to the stadium.