The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant stride towards facilitating the participation of Indian National Teams in various men’s and women’s football tournaments organized by CAFA.
The MoU, represented by AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and Secretary General Shaji Prabhakaran, focuses on expanding opportunities for Indian players across different age groups. Discussions held during the agreement included areas such as youth football, women’s football, coach education, and refereeing, aiming for mutual benefits in football development.
The signing, witnessed by AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany and officials from CAFA member associations, is a strategic move to provide Indian players competitive exposure, as emphasized by the AIFF President: “Collaborating with CAFA will offer valuable competitive exposure to our National Team players across various age categories.”
The AIFF Secretary General stressed the importance of increased competitive exposure for players, stating, “Partnering with CAFA will enhance our preparedness for continental competitions, given the competitive nature of Central Asian football. This collaboration is anticipated to be beneficial for both regions.”
CAFA, headquartered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, comprises member associations including Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, Iran, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, making it a key player within the Asian Football Confederation.
-IANS