AFC announces 1 million dollar financial largesse to AIFF

New Delhi, Apr 17 (UNI) In a big boost to Indian football, the AFC today announced a one million dollar financial assistance to AIFF under a four-year special project aimed at developing the clubs in the country and the national league to international standards.

This was announced by AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam at a Special Congress held to mark the 70th anniversary of AIFF which was attended by Vice-President Bhairon Singh Sekhawat and visting FIFA President Joseph Blatter.

''We will provide Rs 2,50,000 dollars each year to support the clubs in India and the national league,'' Mr Hammam said.

This is in addition to the one million dollar which India receives for a four-year period from FIFA, an amount each of the its 208 member countries was entitled to.

Mr Blatter had already announced on April 15 in Kolkata another financial assistance of 4,00,000 dollar for Goal 2011 Project which is also known as ''Win in India with India''.

A youth programme to be linked with the Goal 2011 Project was also annouced by Mr Blatter today.

The details of the Youth Project will be made public later, he said.

Mr Hammam said the AFC would review the project after four years and based on its achievements will decide on whether to continue or not.

''This is not a donation and we are going to monitor how the money is being spent. They (AIFF) will have to submit monthly report and statement on the expenditure,'' the AFC President said.

Mr Blatter said out of the 2,50,000 dollar India is getting from the AFC special project for clubs and NFL developemnt, 10 per cent will be earmarked for women's football.

Explaining the mechanism to implement the ''Win in India with india'' programme, the FIFA chief said a Working Group with representatives from FIFA, AFC and AIFF will be formed within two months and chalk out a plan which will be ready by the end of the year.

''We have to go step by step to achieve our common goal,'' he said.

Mr Blatter said by the time the World Cup is held in South Africa in 2010, the ''Win in India with India'' project would have run its three of the four years and Indian football by then would be making strides towards progress.

''I wish I come again to reassess the situation at that time. By 2009 you will be able to take part in age group World Cup,'' an optimistic Blatter added.

Mr Blatter and Mr Hammam were presented a heagear and a silver 'pankha' by the AIFF respectively while the FIFA reciprocated with a momento to the AIFF President.

Mr Blatter, Mr Hammam and the delegates leave India tonight.

UNI