Maken assures FIFA of co-operation for U-17 World Cup

New Delhi: The AIFF's wish to host the 2017 U-17 football World Cup in India got a shot in the arm after the Sports Ministry on Wednesday assured FIFA of full co-operation in organising the event.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken on Wednesday met FIFA's secretary general Jerome Valcke and Thierry Regenass, director of member associations and development, in the capital and discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to hosting of the event.

Sources close to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) said the sports minister was very keen on addressing the issues raised by the world football's governing body.

It was also learnt that Maken promised the AIFF help in its development activities.

"The sports minister has assured them of full support for hosting the tournament and said that everything, including government clearance, will be cleared in due course of time," the source said.

It was also learnt that Maken promised the AIFF help in its development activities. The delegation, led by Valcke, is here to review the progress of various development projects undertaken by FIFA for India.

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