FIFA wants top clubs to build own academy

Share:

December 23, 2004 22:04 IST

World football governing body FIFA was considering a proposal making it mandatory for clubs participating in the national leagues of various countries to have their own academy and retain nursery teams.

The matter was discussed during the first ever meeting of the World Club Football Task Force at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, according to Mohun Bagan president Swapan Sadhan Bose, a member of the committe.

Bose told newspersons on Thursday that FIFA also wanted players to approach its disciplinary committee before moving court in case of any dispute with the clubs or associations.

Bose claimed that FIFA has not held any discussions on the death of Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior during the final of the Federation Cup early this month.

"But yes, the AFC is conerned about the issue. They have taken it very seriously," he said.

Bose said in the conclave, he also requested FIFA to give a directive to the ruling socer bodies of various countries to inform the clubs about the football calenders in advance.

"For instance, in India, if the AIFF tells us of the calender well in advance, then it will be easier for us to chalk out our programmes and itinerary," he said.

Bose and Japan's Jubilo Iwata Club president Takanori Matsuzaki are the only Asian representatives in the 11-member committee formed in October in line with a decision taken by FIFA in Paris in May.

The Task Force, chaired by Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder, includes soccer luminary Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the CEO of German outfit Bayern Munich.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Share: