Hammam finds clubs ill-equipped even after a century

Kolkata, Apr 15 (UNI) Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed Bin Hammam today said India would need more time to blossom in the world of soccer after seeing the facilities at the big three clubs of the maidan-East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting here.

Hammam, who earlier toured the three clubs, told at a press meet here, ''I have seen the top three clubs of the country today. They are the ones who should bear the burden and lead the development of soccer in this country.'' ''But seeing the infrastructure they have after 100 years, I think they will need more time to develop. They need to play a bigger role in the development of soccer in this country and Asia in general,'' he said.

''Sports in general and football in particular needs support from political authorities to create a fundamental support for the sport in public life. It is not about interfering in the business of football, but create enough budget to make it a part of the social life,'' he said.

''We need support from the economic sector also who can come forward and extend their support and awareness about the game can increase its popularity,'' he added.

Hammam is actively involved in developing Indian football and under the Vision Asia project is in close contact with the AIFF helping them at different levels to increase and improve their infrastructure and help them scout for coaches and other technical hand.

AIFF plans to launch professional soccer from next year and Hammam feels that it will take a lot more than a professional league to see India's soccer graph rising.

UNI