U-17 World Cup director wants attendance for games in Goa

"Having 500 people watching the I-League matches doesn’t show too much of willingness from Goa to be honest. Goans need to show up not only for ISL to watch FC Goa but also for their I-League teams."

Javier Ceppi is the Tournament Director of the 2017 FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held in India.

U-17 World Cup tournament director Javier Ceppi today expressed displeasure at the lukewarm response to football by the fans in Goa.

“Having 500 people watching the I-League matches doesn’t show too much of willingness from Goa to be honest. Goans need to show up not only for ISL to watch FC Goa but also for their I-League teams. That’s a very large component to it,” Ceppi remarked at the media interaction after the inspection by the FIFA delegation.

He added, “Also for the AFC U-16 in India will be playing here. We expect nothing but a full stadium. That is a show of willingness by the population of Goa.”

Each venue will be given the opportunity to host the matches of one group and also a Round of 16 match.

Ceppi will be one of the decision makers when it comes to deciding the venue for the final. Nonetheless, he believes that the U-17 World Cup will bring a level of football that has not been previously witnessed in the sub-continent.

“To be honest, in terms of football quality, the U-17 World Cup will be the best football that India will ever see on their land by far and beyond. Better than anything that has ever been played here,” Ceppi said.

Srinivas Dempo who is the co-owner of ISL side FC Goa, and also the Vice-president of the All India Football Federation, echoed Ceppi’s opinion.

“I had the opportunity to see the last Under-17 World Cup and I completely agree with Javier (Ceppi) that the quality of football is world class. It’s even better than the ISL,” Dempo said.