Headbutting Zidane in mind but sorry no comments on Indian football

New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) FIFA President Joseph Blatter does not want even an unborn child to imitate head-butting French legend Zinedine Zidane but ''can't comment on India's football standard on a the basis of one match'' even if he was visiting the country to boost its football fortunes.

''Football is natural game as kicking is natural instinct.

An unborn child does not have movement in mother's belly (womb) like a boxer does nor does like Zidane's headbutting,'' he said while making a strong pitch for embracing football culture in India at a CII-sponsored function here.

He parried a question on whether he shared AFC President Mohammed Bin Hammam's view that India will not qualify for the World Cup even after 100 years if present state of conditions continue in clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting of Kolkata.

Mr Hammam said this after having a first hand knowledge of the three clubs in Kolkata yesterday.

''I can't form a opinion (about Indian football) on the basis of one match,'' Mr Blatter replied, referring to the NFL derby which he witnessed yesterday at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Mr Blatter, however, said the match was well organised and public enthusiasm was high.

''I will give nine out of 10 as far as the organisation of the match was concerned,'' he said.

He surprisingly gave thumbs downb to big stadiums like the Salt Lake, saying that ''30,000 or 40,000 capacity stadiums will be better manageable.'' ''There are security and maintenance problems in big stadia.

Moreover, if the quality of football is not high, spectators will not come to fill them.'' Meanwhile, Mr Hammam reiterated his view on the woeful infrastructure in the three big clubs of Kolkata.

''I am sorry I don't see any future of these clubs. If such conditions continue to prevail, India will not qualify for the World Cup even after 100 years,'' he said.

UNI