New Delhi: President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Praful Patel has bagged the coveted honour of being the first Indian member in the FIFA Executive Council. Patel was one of the eight candidates vying for the spot in the election, which was held during the 29th AFC Congress in Kuala Lampur in Malaysia on Saturday.
Out of the 46 voting members, Patel polled in 38 votes, which only highlights how highly he is regarded by the fellow Asian nations.
"I am very happy. I express gratitude to all those members of AFC, who voted for me. Being a member of the FIFA Council is a big responsibility. I will not only represent my country now, but the entire region by joining this institution. We will also take steps to promote soccer in Asia," the AIFF chief said.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das and senior vice-president Subhash Dutta were also present, along with Mr Patel.(UNI)