Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
New Delhi: Representatives of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) met with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the Indian capital on Tuesday to discuss Strategic Planning and Player Compensation matters related to Indian football.
The AFC was represented by Alex Phillips, Head of Asia-Europe Affairs at UEFA, who will handle the innovation and implementation of strategic planning, and Darren Bailey, an expert and consultant under The Ivy House Sports Consultancy Ltd, nominated by the AFC for the player compensation mechanism project.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das, Hero I-League CEO Sunando Dhar, AIFF Technical Director Savio Medeira, AIFF Head of Player Development Richard Hood and AIFF COO Kishore Taid were also present.
AIFF General Secretary Das said: “The discussions will be productive in identifying the major objectives of Indian football and take it to the next level.
“This is a very important meeting with the AFC officials as it will pave the way for future development plans in the various areas of football operations. It is on improving the youth development system with the implementation of a player compensation model.”
Bailey said: “India is massive demographically and it is fascinating, as well as challenging, the opportunities it presents when it comes to player development.
“There should be one vision and one goal and everyone should strive towards it in terms of player development in any nation.
“The Player Compensation system that will be devised will be helpful in the long run for each and every stakeholder involved.”
Hero I-League CEO Sunando Dhar said: “Player Compensation is one of the most important areas of development and it will be huge going forward. Not only will it help the clubs and the players, but it will help the system too by solidifying the roadmap ahead.”
The meeting discussed developing and implementing a robust player compensation model for Indian football that would help all stakeholders in the domestic youth development circuit. It also tackled developing a strategic plan for Indian football based on the present structure for the next four years. The strategic planning involves formulating action plans covering different areas of football management in the country.
Photo: AIFF