Bhubaneswar: An eight member delegation of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) inspected infrastructure and other facilities for the upcoming U-17 Women’s World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Friday.
The FIFA delegation, led by project head Oliver Vogt, visited the Kalinga Stadium to evaluate the progress and preparations for the football tournament.
“We are still in the inspection phase. We are reviewing five stadiums. So far, nothing has been confirmed yet. However, we are hopeful that we will be finalising it by first quarter of 2020,” said Vogt while speaking to the media persons.
Speaking in this connection, Odisha sports secretary Vishal Dev said, "The FIFA delegation is very happy over the preparations for the tournament so far. We are very confident that we will successfully host the tournament. Though the match schedule will be finalised by the FIFA, we hope that four teams will play here.”
“We are setting up three more new practicing grounds (two in the police battalion and one in the capital high school). The seating capacity in Kalinga Stadium, however, will not be increased,” he added.
The U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held from November 2 to 21, 2020.