FIFA Sets 10-year Plan to Help India Qualify for Qatar 2022

New Delhi/Doha, September 08 (QNA) - World's football governing body FIFA has set a 10-year plan to scale up India's preparations and help achieve the goal of qualifying to the 2022 World Cup to be hosted by Qatar. FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke told media in New Delhi Friday, "This will not be easy. It is a big challenge for India." The official talked about improving the standards of football at all levels in India during his visit to give a checklist to fulfill if the country is seriously bidding to host the Under-17 World Cup. Valcke's list includes world-class stadiums, excellent security, top hotel accommodation and transport. "The Under-17 World Cup has to be organised under certain criteria. India will not receive the World Cup if the pre-requisites are not met," Valcke, who had talks with India's Sports Minister Ajay Maken, told reporters. "The essentials include six world class stadia, star hotel facilities, smooth transport and good security," he added. The Under-1 World Cup would go a long way in building a strong foundation for Indian football, he said. "It is a great opportunity and we hope to give India a chance. It is not a simple tournament, it is a World Cup. It is a big opportunity to improve infrastructure for the growth of the game in India," Valcke said. He stressed that India needs to improve its standard of professional league. "The I-League as it is today is not perfect. It should be more representative encompassing all the regions. For that to happen, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the IMG and Reliance will have to work together." (QNA)