AIFF President Praful Patel happy with Kolkata's FIFA U-17 World Cup preparations

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Bengaluru, September 1: President of All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 Praful Patel yesterday went to the Vivekanand Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium of Kolkata, to survey the readiness of the pitch for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 which will have ten matches this October during the big tournament.

The popular Salt Lake stadium will entertain one quarterfinal, the third place playoff and the final as well as five Group F matches and one Group E diversion.

And following the visit, the minister was satisfied with the arrangements and was seen content with the remodels that have been made particularly for the forthcoming competition. Praful Patel also did not forget to praise Bengal's Prime Minister Mamata Banerjee and Sports Minister Arup Biswas, insisting the arrangements are 'truly world-class'.

He said: "I congratulate the Chief Minister of West Bengal - Mamata Banerjee for her continued support and the incredible amount of work that has been put in for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.

The honourable CM, Sports Minister Arup Biswas and their entire team have managed to completely renovate this facility and make it truly world-class. Come this October, the grandeur and passion that the city has for the beautiful game will be on exhibit globally."

Patel also declared that there will be a three-day FIFA Council meeting ahead of the Under-17 World Cup on October 28 in Kolkata and they will discuss the possibility of bidding for the U-20 World Cup in 2019.

"The full FIFA Council will be here. This is a big achievement after hosting the World Cup. This shows the level of importance the FIFA is giving to India," Patel told reporters at Nabanna after his meeting with Mamata.

"We are hoping that the U-20 World Cup can also be hosted in India. I am very happy that the West Bengal government is extending full support. I am sure that the U-17 World Cup and the final will be a huge success," Patel added.