Speedy development SAFF football teams
The performances of South Asian countries are to be speeded up like taking off on a highway. The SAFF Council took this decision in Assam, India last week. This Council Meeting took place at the Taj Hotel in Trivendrum last week chaired by South Asian Football Federation Vice President and Sri Lanka’s former football president Ranjith Rodrigo. He had pointed out that the funds given to the game is not sufficient to improve the game in the region. Ranjith Rodrigo’s plan was unanimously approved by the council.
The winning team India is presented the champion’s trophy by Ranjith Rodrigo
Under this scheme all participating South Asian team will be provided with a cash incentive of USD 25,000 to each country for pool training. Other than that the host country is to receive more incentives. Other than that there is SAFF Under-16 and Under-19 tournaments for men and women. Earlier the incentives awarded for organising such tournaments was USD 10,000 and now it has been increased to USD 50,000.
Also for the first time an SAFF club championship will take place from December 23, 2016 to January 3, 2017 will be held with six SAF countries taking part. The host country will be able to field two teams and USD 25,000 will be given to all participating countries. Sri Lanka is hoping to send Sri Lanka’s top club team in the league.
Afghanistan lost in an unexpected manner
The Indian team in an unexpected manner beat defending champions Afghanistan 2-1 in the SAFF championship held in Trivandrum from December 23, 2015 to January 3, 2016. There was no score at half time and at full time the game ended in a one all tie. During extra time India beat Afghanistan 2-1. With this victory India has won the title on seven occasions. Defending champions Afghanistan won the championship 2013 defeating India 2-1.
Sunil Chetty of India was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the Tournament. The winning Indian team won USD 50,000. The chief guest at the game was Sri Lanka’s former football president Ranjith Rodrigo.