Fifa U-17 World Cup to be held from Oct 6-28

KOLKATA: India will stage the Under-17 Football World Cup from October 6 to 28 next year, the sport’s world governing body Fifa announced on Tuesday while ratifying Kolkata as the sixth venue for the mega-event after an inspection here.

The draw for the mega-event, to be held across six venues in India, will take place on July 7.

“We first came here two years ago to see the stadium. The work that has done has been staggering. I am confident that the stadium will look 30 years younger. I grew up here watched football here, it gives me immense pleasure to say Kolkata has been ratified as one of the venue for World Cup matches,” Joy Bhattacharya, Project director – Fifa U-17 World Cup, said.

“Massive amount of work has gone into the stadium, impressive improvements since our last inspection in February. Lot of work has been done hence the ratification. The stadium has the potential to be one of the best in the country and can also compete internationally,” Fifa delegation Marion Mayervorfelder said.

State sports minister Aroop Biswas said 75 to 80 per cent work has been done and the stadium will be complete by January 31.

When asked whether they are happy with the security arrangements, tournament director, Javier Ceppi said: “I have come to West Bengal 30 times. I have always felt very welcome and never felt threatened. We are working with the state government. We will try to deliver a friendly and a very good tournament.”

Kochi, Mumbai, Guwahati, Delhi and Margao have already been ratified as venues.