India targets elite pool of players for Asian Cup scheme
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
MUMBAI, March 9 (Reuters): The Indian soccer federation hopes to launch an ambitious two-year plan that will commit the country's leading players to preparations for the 2011 Asian Cup.
Under the proposed 'Goal 2011' scheme, national coach Bob Houghton will name 25 players, who will receive financial backing from the federation and be asked not to play for their clubs over the next two seasons, The Telegraph reported Monday.
The paper added that the plan was likely to cost around 400 million rupees ($7.7 million) and has already been approved by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee.
The final touches to the scheme will be made by the development committee, which meets Thursday.
"This is one of AIFF's most ambitious plans ever and is likely to cause an uproar among the clubs, local associations and the sponsors," unnamed sources told the newspaper.
The national team has shown improved results over the last two years under British coach Houghton and secured an Asian Cup berth after clinching the AFC Challenge Cup last August.
Under the proposed 'Goal 2011' scheme, national coach Bob Houghton will name 25 players, who will receive financial backing from the federation and be asked not to play for their clubs over the next two seasons, The Telegraph reported Monday.
The paper added that the plan was likely to cost around 400 million rupees ($7.7 million) and has already been approved by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) executive committee.
The final touches to the scheme will be made by the development committee, which meets Thursday.
"This is one of AIFF's most ambitious plans ever and is likely to cause an uproar among the clubs, local associations and the sponsors," unnamed sources told the newspaper.
The national team has shown improved results over the last two years under British coach Houghton and secured an Asian Cup berth after clinching the AFC Challenge Cup last August.