2017 Fifa Under-17 World Cup gets $12m budget
The budget for the 2017 Under-17 football World Cup in India will be around $12mn (Rs 76.2cr). Or, in other words, the approximately three-week tournament scheduled in September-October will cost the equivalent of six editions of the I-League, making it the most expensive football event ever hosted by India.
The budget for the 2017 Under-17 football World Cup in India will be around $12mn (Rs 76.2cr). Or, in other words, the approximately three-week tournament scheduled in September-October will cost the equivalent of six editions of the I-League, making it the most expensive football event ever hosted by India.
Of this Fifa, football's apex body, is likely to provide for around $5-$6mn. The AIFF will have to raise the rest. That means the national federation will have to generate roughly Rs 36cr, which is nearly 80% of its annual budget now. Fifa grants included, the AIFF spends nearly Rs 45cr per year.
The AIFF can have a maximum of six national supporters and generate income from ticket sales. "We are optimistic of raising the amount because this is not just about one event, it is about connecting with the youth of India," said Kushal Das, AIFF general secretary.
The Union government too is committed to spending Rs 120cr for the event, of which approximately Rs 95cr will be spent on infrastructure. It was learnt that Chile has sanctioned Rs 1800cr for the U-17 World Cup later this year.
Fifa hasn't yet approved the budget but the AIFF is hopeful of it being cleared. One of the reasons being that Chile, which hosts the 2015 Under-17 World Cup, has a budget of $13.5mn (Rs 85.7cr). However, part of that has been given as loan by Fifa.
With India also holding the final round of Asian Under-16 next year, the AIFF may also look at asking prospective World Cup sponsors to be part of the continental event. For the Asian event, the AIFF would need to raise around Rs 3cr over and above what the Asian Football Confederation would provide.
