FIFA prez Blatter congratulates Bengaluru FC

AIFF media

FIFA President Mr. Joseph S Blatter has congratulated Airtel I-League Champions Bengaluru FC on “winning the I-League championship in their debut season.” 

In a letter to All India Football Federation, Mr. Blatter wrote: “Please convey my warmest wishes to all of the players, the manager, the technical and medical staff as well as all the team’s supporters, as each part of this organisation have no doubt been instrumental in their club’s victory.” 

“On behalf of the world football community, I would like to thank Bengaluru FC for the excitement they bring to fans of the beautiful game, and wish them all the best for the future,” his letter further read. 

Bengaluru FC finished on 47 points to emerge Champions in the 2013-14 edition of the Airtel I-League in their debut season. 

Chhetri and Johnson to receive I-League awards

The President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Mr. Praful Patel Chaired the Executive Committee Meeting at All India Football Federation Headquarters, Football House in the Capital on May 14, 2014 (Wednesday).

The Committee congratulated recipients of the I-League Awards who were voted by all the Captains and the Coaches of all the participating Clubs.

The recipients of the Awards stay as follows: 

• Best Player of I-League: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)
• Best Goalkeeper of I-League: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC)
• Best Defender of I-League: John Johnson (Bengaluru FC)
• Best Midfielder of I-League: Douhou Pierre (Pune FC)
• Best Forward of I-League: Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)
• Best Referee of I-League: Pratap Singh (from Uttarakhand)
• Best Assistant Referee of I-League: Sapan Kennedy (from Manipur) 

I-League to kick off in December, Fed Cup in Kashmir in May 2015, and ISL in September

AIFF Media 

The President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Mr. Praful Patel Chaired the Executive Committee Meeting at All India Football Federation Headquarters, Football House in the Capital on May 14, 2014 (Wednesday).

Besides, AIFF General Secretary Mr. Kushal Das, Senior Vice-President Mr. Subrata Dutta, Treasurer Mr. Hardev Jadeja, Vice-Presidents Mr. Shrinivas V. Dempo, Mr. K.M.I. Mather, Mr. Subhash Chopra, and all other Members including Ms. Sara Pilot with the exception of Vice-President Mr. Larsing Ming and Mr. Sunil Bharadwaj attended the Meeting.

Mr. Priti Srivastava from AIFF’s Marketing Partners, IMG-Reliance, was also present.

Mr. Patel informed the Committee that he had a Meeting with FIFA President Mr. Joseph S Blatter; FIFA Secretary General Mr. Jerome Valcke and Mr. Thierry Regenass, Director Member Associations and Development Vision, FIFA; at the FIFA Headquarters in Zurich where he discussed to put a bid for India to host the FIFA World Club Cup in 2017 and also in 2018.

“We have to put in a bid to host it for two consecutive editions of the Championship. If we are successful, we would have FIFA Tournaments in India in 2017, 2018 and 2019,” he added. “We will come to know the outcome in December 2014 and if it happens, it will be a big achievement for Indian Football,” he said.

“I also hope the Indian Super League (ISL) scheduled to kick-off in September 2014 will provide the much-needed boost for the game in our Country. I’m confident it will be a positive development for the promotion of Football in India,” he added.

The Committee endorsed Mr. Patel’s suggestion to appoint a Special Committee to advice the Technical structure for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup. Mr. Patel suggested that former Indian National Team Captain Bhaichung Bhutia, current Indian National Team Captain Sunil Chhetri and reputed Indian Coach Derrick Pereira form the panel.

Meanwhile, the Coca Cola Cup will form the primary base for talent scouting for the Indian National Team for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup. Boys born on or after January 1, 2000 will be eligible for the Championship.

The Championship will be played first on a zonal format and AIFF will conduct a Seminar with the State Associations explaining the philosophy for Scouting for the Championship. The AIFF Technical Staff would be acting as Scouts for the selection of the National Team for the 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup.

An U-15 League including all U-15 Teams from Clubs, various Academies including AIFF Academies was also proposed to identify more talent for 2017 U-17 FIFA World Cup.

The Committee also approved a budget of Rs. 3 crore for U-23 Indian National Team’s preparations for the Incheon Asian Games which includes an exposure Tour abroad.

It was decided that the I-League 2014-15 will kick-off in the first week of December 2014 while the Federation Cup is to be held in Jammu and Kashmir in May 2015.

The Committee unanimously made compulsory for all Coaches/Technical Director to have an AFC A-Licence degree. Furthermore, any Coach/Technical Director without a valid AFC A-Licence degree, if appointed by any Club, would not be allowed to sit on the reserve bench and Coach the Team both during the match and even in Practice Sessions. They also won’t be allowed to enter the Dressing Rooms.

Furthermore, the Committee made it mandatory for all I-League Clubs to sign a marquee Player among the foreign recruits. Unless any Club signs a marquee Player, the Club won’t be allowed to field any other foreign recruits in the I-League any more. As advised by the Committee, the definition for the marquee Player will be intimated to the Clubs by I-League Department at the earliest.

“There is a Meeting on Club Licensing on May 21. It’s entirely up to the First Instance Body to decide on which Clubs get the Licence to play the 2014-15 edition of the I-League,” Mr. Patel stated.

The Committee was also informed about the ongoing bidding process to get new Teams in the 2014-15 edition of the I-League.

Furthermore, the Committee approved the appointment of an Integrity Officer to deal with corruption and match-fixing by June 2104 as stipulated by AFC and FIFA.

An Observer for the Elections of Rajasthan State Football Association which are to slated to be held on May 25, 2014 was also appointed by the Committee.

It was also directed that the Centralised Registration System for Players and inter-State Transfers be implemented by the respective State Associations by July 31, 2014.

The Committee complimented the Technical Department for introducing the Academies Certification which they felt would greatly help for Youth Development.

A special mention of Manipur’s triumph in the Senior Women’s National Championship was also made. The Committee congratulated the success of Manipur Women and appreciated their 17th triumph in 20 National Championships.

[PICs] BFC Awards Night

BFC Media

The complete Bengaluru FC team strikes a happy pose along with club chairman Sajjan Jindal, CEO Parth Jindal and Sangita Jindal at the BFC Awards Night held at Leela Palace, in Bangalore, on Tuesday night

Sunil Chhetri collects his award for the 'Highest Goal Scorer of the Season' from deputy managing director, JSW Dr. Vinod Nowal and tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi

John Johnson (L-R), Ashley Westwood and Sunil Chhetri take part in a fun chat show hosted by performer and emcee Ash Chandler

John Johnson collects the 'Goal of the Season' award on behalf of teammate Sean Rooney from Sangita Jindal

Curtis Osano receives the 'Players' Player of the Season' award from club chairman Sajjan Jindal

Bengaluru gaffer bags FPAI best coach award

The day after crowning India champs, good news came on Bengaluru FC’s way – coach Ashley Westwood adjudged the best coach award at the sixth edition of Football Players` Association of India (FPAI). 

Gaffer along with his team came up at the Bangalore football stadium for the felicitation ceremony organized by KSFA. 

Talking to the journos, former product of Manchester United academy looked amused, “I was never expecting this award, I think the best coach award is a fantastic achievement!” 

He added,” It's great and very rewarding when your peers decide that you are the best and vote for you. I thank everyone who voted for me. We want to continue with the success and look forward to next year." 

Westwood is heading straight back to England, where he’ll be visiting some football clubs, “I have some good friends in England who works at top football clubs. I’m going to go to them, do some research, look at what they’re doing, ensure I’ve not missed anything and try and make us stronger for next year.

In that case, he’ll not be available for BDFA Super Division, which is starting from next week. 

Assistant coach will be in charge, coach said, “Pradhyum will be here and a most of the boys will be here. We’ve got our off-season programs; we all know what we’re doing. We’ll respect the tournament and make sure that we play to our capacity. Our plan is to use some younger boys, under-19s, and try and look to the future.” 

[PICs] Ceremony at Bangalore Football Stadium

Champions Bengaluru FC raised a toast to its fantastic supporters when they display the Airtel I-League trophy on an open-top bus parade (http://www.gcsstars.com/2014/04/open-top-bus-parade-for-newly-crowned-i.html) that started on Kamaraj Road before making its way to the Bangalore Football Stadium where the trophy was displayed followed by an interaction between players and fans. 

[PICS] Open-top bus parade for the newly crowned I-League champs

[PICS] Sporting Clube de Goa Vs Bengaluru FC match-day pics

BFC Media

I-League champs sign off in style

AIFF Media

Beikhokhei Beingaichho scored in the 2nd minute of added time as Bengaluru FC finished off their Airtel I-League campaign on a spectacularly winning note after they defeated Sporting Clube de Goa 2-1 in the concluding match at the Nehru Stadium, Goa, on Monday (April 28, 2014).

Boima Karpeh had given Sporting a first half lead but Bengaluru FC fought back in the second session with goals from Robin Singh and Beingaichho. 

The Blues thus finish their campaign with 47 points from 24 matches.

Captain Sunil Chhetri thanked the Club fans FC for staying beside the Team the entire season. “They are presently the best fans in the Country. They are just amazing,” Chhetri stated in the post match interview. “I am extremely happy to have won the Championship,” Chhetri, who had last season won the I-League with Churchill Brothers, added.

Referring to him finishing at par with Darryl Duffy on 14 Goals as the joint-highest top-scorer in the League, he pronounced: “It just doesn't matter as to who scores. The Team-mantra has always been ahead of any individual. I’m happier for the Team,” he declared.

The India Captain yelled the loudest to thank the fans for their undeterred support.

Bengaluru FC wanted to sign off as champions and this was there for all to see as they launched attacks right from the word go. The Bengaluru crowd, too, were in just the right form as they egged their side and made for an electric atmosphere at the stadium.

Sporting Clube were taking their time but they were not going to give Bengaluru FC an easy time.

Nigerian midfielder Ogba Kalu tried his luck from a distance but the Bengaluru FC goalkeeper had no problem dealing with that effort.

It was Bengaluru FC’s game though. Siam Hanghal’s cross found Sunil Chhetri on the left and the BFC captain darted ahead but fired a shot which was saved. The rebound fell at the feet of Robin Singh but before he could react, Sporting defence remained alert to the danger.

Sporitng Clube were also getting ambitious but did not have enough men upfront.

Boima Karpeh was their lone danger upfront and Sporting’s highest goalscorer did try to dazzle things up. His first attempt was in the 39th minute when Royston D’Souza got into a good position inside Bengaluru’s penalty area, turned and crossed the ball for Boima. The Australian striker controlled the ball well but his shot was aimed at the skies.

Karpeh, however, made amends two minutes later when he fired in a thunderous shot from outside the box which the BFC goalkeeper had no chance to save.

In the second session, Bengaluru FC did flex their muscles and got the equaliser at the hour mark. It was John Johnson’s headed ball that found Robin and the India striker, left completely unmarked, made no mistake.

The match looked like it was headed for a draw until Beingaichho gave Bengaluru FC that champion feeling at the death. 

Open-top bus parade and ceremony at stadium are in store for tomorrow

Sure the Nama-Blues fans will have an action-packed day tomorrow. 

I-League champions Bengaluru FC will raise a toast to its fantastic supporters from the garden city when they display the I-League trophy on an open-top bus parade that starts on Kamaraj Road before making its way to the Bangalore Football Stadium where the trophy will be on display followed by an interaction between players and the fans on. 

The celebrations will culminate with the BFC awards night at hotel Leela Palace.

Only a win away from the crown

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC takes on Dempo Sports Club at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa, today. Knowing that victory would see them crowned I-League champions in what has been an already successful season for the club. League leaders for most of the season, Bengaluru are on 41 points from 22 games and a double over Dempo would end the chase by closest rivals East Bengal who are on 40 points from 23 games. 

The Ashley Westwood-coached team had beaten Dempo 3-1 at home early in the season where a brace by Sean Rooney and a Siam Hanghal screamer did the job for Bengaluru who have their belief strengthened after the big win away against Mohun Bagan a fortnight ago. 

East Bengal’s win over Pune FC on Saturday meant the Kolkata side is still in the reckoning for the title. And while the result is deemed to have put Bengaluru under pressure, Westwood believes otherwise. “There is no pressure on us whatsoever. We are confirmed to finish top 3 and that was far higher than what was expected of me and my squad. The pressure is on East Bengal who have won back to back games only once this season and were expected to win the League with their squad and finances,” said Westwood, who is serving a one-match suspension and will not be on the sidelines on Monday. 

Dempo are coming off a 1-1 draw against Mumbai FC and are currently sixth on the table. The Goa side know that a win against Bengaluru could see them finish as high as fourth should other results aid their cause. They will, however, be without Australian striker Tolgay Ozbey who misses the game with a suspension. 

But Westwood believes Dempo have an impressive squad that will be looking to prove a point in beating the leaders. “Dempo are a good side with a great squad who have underachieved this season so I'm sure they will be very tough opponents and will try to get a feather in their cap by beating us.” 

Bengaluru have traveled with a completely fit squad and have been looking sharp and the performance against Bagan was testament enough. Midfielder Thoi Singh has been the man of the moment, scoring two goals in as many games and the team will have to chip in with inspired performances if they are to seize the chance to give an impressive season a special end. 

Mariners host Bengaluru tomorrow

AIFF Media 

Table toppers Bengaluru FC take on Mohun Bagan in the Airtel I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium on Sunday evening.

The sides played out a 1-1 draw in the opening weekend of the season back in September and the fixture was Bengaluru’s first-ever. Since then the I-League debutants have gone on to have a remarkable campaign as they are three wins away from clinching the title. All three of their remaining games are away from home.

Ashley Westwood’s side though have won their last two away matches against Kolkata opposition and the gaffer is confident going into the business end of the season.

“We got three away games which suits me, because we travel, we know where the boys are, we know what they are eating, we know what they are up to, which just makes the whole thing a bit more controlled without being a control freak if you like. We will be really focused to try and get something out of the season,” Westwood was quoted saying.

Following Salgaocar’s 2-1 win over Pune on Friday, Bengaluru’s lead at the top is now down to just one point but like them Mohun Bagan too are under pressure to get a win in order to guarantee their I-League survival.

The Mariners are currently six points clear of the drop zone but could still finish in the top half if they win their last three games. Karim Bencherifa’s side won 3-1 away at Sporting Clube two weeks ago and the Moroccan is keen on building on that impressive performance.

“Bengaluru are top because they have simply been consistent with a lot of hard work being put in by everybody at the club. We got a good result in the last match and hopefully that can push us on to finish the season on a high,” Bencherifa stated.

The subplot of this game is that Mohun Bagan could do their arch-rivals East Bengal a favour but Bengaluru will be determined to get an away victory especially after dropping points in their last two I-League outings. 

[PICs] Bengaluru FC vs Pune FC Matchday

25' Our man from Manipur has delivered 1-0 

Starting lineup for the #BFCvPFC match

The only played from the Garden City who is in the Pune FC starting XI?