AIFF's constitution to be amended

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is set to amend its constitution in order to adopt the new regulations which have come from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

A top official, on condition of anonymity, said that "in order to adopt to the new regulations, the AIFF's constitution will have to be amended".

The federation has earmarked Rs 50 lakh each as financial grant for selected state associations.

The official, though, refused to name the states as "they are still to be finalised".

Besides, in a bid to spruce up the sport at junior level, the AIFF has decided to hold an Under-19/20 national level tournament from now on.

President Praful Patel stressed on the need to have a "comprehensive" youth development programme in order to take Indian football to the next level.

Patel also emphasised on the need to have a proper coach education programme in place.

"We need to have a comprehensive Youth Development Programme which would guide us in the right direction. Coach education stays an integral part of the Curriculum," Patel said after the Annual General Body (AGM) meeting in New Delhi on Monday.

"The regional and the elite academies are going as per schedule," he added.

Chaired by Patel, the AGM was attended by general secretary Kushal Das, vice-presidents Subrata Dutta, Ankur Datta, AR Khaleel and Venod Sharma.

Members from all the state associations (except Arunachal Pradesh) and other stakeholders were also present in the meeting.

"2011 was an eventful year for Indian football. Besides India winning the SAFF Championship, the U-16 boys made it to the final phase of the AFC U-16 in Tashkent, which is commendable indeed. I also congratulate the U-13 girls for winning the AFC U-13 Football Tournament in Colombo recently," Patel said.