Kolkata, Aug 28 (UNI) AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today said extension of term of India's senior soccer team coach Bob Houghton would be decided on his return from vacation.
Under Houghton's coaching India qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup and he was a very important person for Indian soccer, Dasmunsi told reporters here.
Houghton, now holidaying, was expected to return soon. His term would expire in June next year.
He said the All India Football Federation had earmarked Rs two crore for preparation of the Asian cup final.
On Indian Football Association's request to defer I-League for two weeks to the IFA, Dasmunshi said, '' We can defer it for a week but not so much as I-League is a very important tournament for the country. '' He, however, said the AIFF would decide the fixture of the I-League soon.
He ruled out Mohun Bagan's ground as one of the venues of I-League for safety and security reason.
He said Barasat stadium, Yuba Bharati Krinangan and Howrah stadium are the venues of the national leauge.
He said if the situation demanded, Silchar and Guwahati could be venues for I-League.
He also announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for Kolkata's Mohammedan Sporting to tide over their monetary deficit. He said some more fund could be granted for them later from the AIFF fund.
Dasmunshi also praised India captain Baichung Bhutia's offer and suggestion to make Barasat stadium an ideal ground for soccer.
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