New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) on Sunday appointed former national team captain Bhaichung Bhutia as the advisor for overall issues related to the game in the country.
"Have appointed Bhaichung Bhutia as Advisor to #AIFF and myself for the overall issues of the game and the Federation," AIFF president Praful Patel posted on his official Twitter handle on Sunday morning.
‘Welcome on board #Bhaichung. First call improving the #Indian National team and readying the boys for World Cup U17. #AIFF," he added.
"We look up to Bhaichung to advice us on improving the National Team’s performance and also help in the development of the squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
"Furthermore, we look forward to his advice on the licensing criteria of State FAs, development of Clubs and all other domestic Competitions, both men and women and across all age groups," AIFF general secretary Kushal Das told the-aiff.com.
Bhutia, who is already the chairman of the AIFF's technical committee said that he was looking forward to the new role.
"I would focus on youth development programmes and restructuring and professionalizing the respective state football associations," the former Mohun Bagan striker said.
"I intend to work and coordinate with all stakeholders including the clubs and the state FAs to take Indian Football forward," he added. "I want to form a core group to guide and provide support to the state football associations. The scouting programmes need to be in place as well as the grassroots programmes."
"We need to have a long term vision."