All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel became the first Indian to be elected as a member of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) council, reports The Economic Times. FIFA is the international governing body of football.
Garnering a good 38 out of 46 votes, AIFF president stood out among the eight candidates seeking membership. Election was held during the 29th Asian Football Confederations Congress in Kuala Lumpur.
In addition to the AFC president, a total of five members, including Patel are chosen, with one female member for the term 2019-2023.
Elated over the development, Patel said, "I am extremely humbled. I express my gratitude to all the members of the AFC who felt me suitable for the post. The responsibility as a FIFA Council member is huge. I would not only be representing my own country but the entire continent. Thank you all for your confidence for rapid progress of football in Asia,"
Under Patel’s tenure, the AIFF has been awarded with the AFC’s President Recognition award for grassroots at the AFC anunal awards in 2014 in Manila and an award as AFC’s Best Developing Member Association in 2016.
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