Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon told Indian media in Mumbai on Tuesday that the London club wants to build a better a relationship between with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in order to help develop Indian football.Kenyon arrived in India on Monday morning and met the AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco and Indian national team coach Bob Houghton in Goa.
In a press briefing Kenyon said that India’s economic rise as a global powerhouse cannot be ignored.
“Indian football is better structured than before and there are exciting developments happening in this part of the world and I-League for sure is one of them,” Kenyon said.
On being asked the subject of his discussions with the Indian FA, Kenyon said, “There have been no specific areas of discussion but, as a club, we have a series of skills areas we would like to explore.”
The 54 year old also pointed that nothing has been formalized with the Indian FA though the two organizations are looking at a long term tie-up.
This is Kenyon’s third visit in a year or so to India. He first came in November last year along with the then Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.
At the time, Kenyon asked the AIFF to ‘identify various areas in which Chelsea to work with the AIFF and the clubs’, according to Mr.Colaco.
Indian national team coach,and former Fulham player, Bob Houghton was pleased with the talks with the Chelsea boss.
“They (Chelsea) are a great example of big football. India is still part of the developing football world and we ought to derive maximum benefit from them as it can set a great example for football in India.”
Source:Goal.com
