BY IANS,
New Delhi, All India Football Federation (AIFF) acting president Praful Patel Friday asked its secretary general Alberto Colaco to name his successor.
Colaco had expressed his desire to relinquish the post during the AIFF annual general meeting (AGM) last December, but after taking over as the acting-president, Patel asked him to continue for some more time. Colaco’s contract had ended Dec 31.
At Friday’s executive committee meeting at the AIFF headquarters here, Patel released him from his post and entrusted him with the job of finding a new secretary general.
“Colaco will continue until we find a new successor,” Patel said.
Colaco said he had already made the decision to quit long time back but due to Patel’s insistence he was continuing.
“I am 61 and how long do you expect me to continue? Youngsters should also get a chance,” Colaco told IANS. “Mr. Patel has asked me to look for a new general secretary and then I will leave.”
AIFF sources told IANS that Patel is interested in getting a professional administrator for the post but not necessarily from the world of football.
During the executive committee meeting it was also decided that the national team will have training camps in Dubai (June 25-July 7) and Spain (July 7- Aug 7) for the Nehru Cup to be held in August. India will also play five practice matches in Spain and will train at Nou Camp in Barcelona.
The committee also said that national captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who has been suspended by his club Mohun Bagan for six months, will attend the national camp.
It was also decided that the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) tournament will be held from Dec 1-15. The venue will be finalised later.
The committee also said it will take strict actions against clubs, who fail to release players for the national camp if it doesn’t coincide with any AIFF tournaments.
The AIFF said it will fund various states to develop three grounds for the practice of national team. The venues will be decided later.
Artificial turfs would be installed at eight centers across the country, it said.