AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation has expressed its interest to host the AFC U-16 Championship Finals in 2016.

The AIFF believes the Championship can serve as a precursor before India host the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017. The AFC U-16 Finals will not only help the Indian Team to gain valuable competitive experience but simultaneously also help in evaluating the organisation abilities of the venues.

Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF, has officially approached Dato Alex Soosay, General Secretary, Asian Football Confederation, and Dato Windsor John, Deputy General Secretary, AFC, mentioning India’s eagerness.

The AFC, in its reply, has stated they are extremely pleased with the offer.

However, the bidding for the 2016 Competition will officially open after the completion of the AFC U-16 Finals in Thailand in September 2014, and relevant documents need to be submitted by November 2014.