Praful Patel elected as FIFA Council member, first from India

All India Football Federation president Praful Patel was Saturday elected as a FIFA Council member, becoming the first Indian to enter the prestigious panel in a landmark development.

Patel got 38 out of 46 votes.

   

The AIFF chief was one of the eight candidates vying for thespot in the election which was held during the 29th AFC (Asian FootballConfederations) Congress in the Malaysian capital.

A total of five candidates, including Patel, was elected inaddition to the AFC president, and one female member for the term 2019-2013.

“I am extremely humbled. I express my gratitude to all themembers of the AFC who felt me suitable for the post. The responsibility as aFIFA Council member is huge. I would not only be representing my own countrybut the entire continent. Thank you all for your confidence for rapid progressof football in Asia,” Patel stated.

Patel was accompanied by AIFF general secretary Kushal Dasand senior vice-president Subrata Datta.

“Mr. Patel’s victory is a “landmark for Indian football”.Congratulations to Mr. Patel. He fully deserves this honour. His leadership hastaken Indian football to greater heights. Asian football will immensely benefitfrom his presence as a FIFA Council member,” Datta told PTI.

The AFC Electoral committee and the FIFA Review Committeeconducted the eligibility review of the candidates.

Das said, “We at AIFF are extremely proud of him. This is amajor development for India’s football fraternity. Best wishes on his newendeavour.”Under Patel’s leadership, AIFF has been awarded with the AFC’sPresident Recognition award for grassroots at the AFC Annual Awards in 2014 inManila, and was given an award for the AFC Best Developing Member Associationat the in 2016.

The successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup drewlavish praise from all quarters, and India have also won the bid to host theFIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020. The Indian Club Licensing system has alsobeen dubbed as one of the best in Asia.

A Al- Mohannadi (Qatar), Khalid Awad A. Althebity (Saudi Arabia), Mariano V. Araneta, Jr. (Philippines), Chung Mong Gyu (Korea Republic), Du Zhaocai (China PR), Mehdi Taj (IR Iran) and Kohzo Tashima (Japan) were the others who contested for the five available spots in the council.

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