AIFF President Praful Patel becomes the first Indian to be a member of FIFA’s Executive Council
Praful Patel won with a record-breaking margin, securing 38 out of 46 votes; aims to get more tournaments and help Indian football grow.
In a first for India, Praful Patel, former Civil Aviation Minister, and President of All India Football Federation (AIFF), has been selected as one of the five members of FIFA's Executive Council.
Patel, 62, who is also Senior Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), polled the joint highest votes, 38 out of 46, along with Japan Football Association President Kozo Tashima at the elections held at the 29th AFC Congress in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Patel has been selected for a four-year term (2019–2023).
Praful Patel at the 29th AFC congress, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, source The Week
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Besides Patel and Tashima, three more candidates were elected for the same term during the election, reports The Hindu.
Speaking to IANS on his victory, Patel said,
I am happy with the victory here because my election to the FIFA council is a proud moment for India. I also feel personally honoured to become the first Indian to represent the country on this council.
The Executive Council never had an Indian member in the past. Former AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi was earlier elected to the technical committee of FIFA.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino with Praful Patel during the Asian Football Confederation Congress 2019 in Kuala Lumpur | Source: The Hindu.
When asked how his selection would help Indian football, Patel said to PTI,
This signifies India’s place in world football. This will give us more voice. We would look to get more tournaments, international friendlies, exposure for our kids. This will also help in terms of football education, coaching, and providing exposure to India’s players abroad.
Patel, who is the Vice President of AFC, will stick to FIFA body and won't fight for a re-election. Instead his position could be taken by the Pakistan Representative.
Patel is at present in his third term as AIFF President; his tenure will end in December 2020. It was under Patel’s leadership that India hosted under-17 World Cup for the first time in 2017, India Today reports.
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