The Bhutan Football Federation will receive USD 25 M from FIFA over the next four years to develop football in the country, including infrastructure, youth and women’s football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the funding during a press conference today.
The funding marks a significant increase from the USD 1 M allocated every four years when Infantino first took office as FIFA President.
“When I started as FIFA president, it was one million every four years. Now it’s USD 25 M every four years. This is a big change, and this will impact all these children that we have seen out there in a real way because it gives them opportunities,” said Gianni Infantino.
The FIFA President also attended the opening of a grassroots programme that will train children aged below 12 years.
FIFA is also considering a proposal to establish an academy in Bhutan for 250 boys and 250 girls, with schooling facilities and four football pitches. FIFA will assess the proposal and send experts to study its feasibility.
Meanwhile, FIFA plans to help identify and train young talent, strengthen coaching and expand football infrastructure and competitions, including opportunities for women and girls.
FIFA is also exploring the possibility of a regional competition tentatively called the FIFA Himalaya Cup.
Bhutan Football Federation President Ugen Tsechup said further investment is needed to improve the quality of the national team and strengthen grassroots programmes.
“The Bhutan Football Federation has come a very, very long way with the support of FIFA. Right now, with FIFA’s support, we’ve reached almost a plateau, and we have suggested proposals that will actually allow us to create a new graph that will allow us to improve the quality of our national team and the way our national team and grassroots programmes are developed,” said Ugen Tsechup.
During the visit, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee, hosted a lunch for the FIFA President and his delegation at Pangrizampa.
The programme included cultural performances and demonstrations of Bhutanese indigenous sports, allowing the FIFA President to experience traditional games, including archery and khuru.
Sherub Dadron Palzom
Edited by Sonam Pem
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