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Chelsea to help Indian football

Last updated on: October 21, 2008 20:05 IST

English football giants Chelsea on Tuesday met officials of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a bid to help development of the sport in the country.

"Indian football is strong with better structure and development and with good I-league. Chelsea, who has signed an agreement with China as part of the AFC vision plan,. is now keen to set the eye on Indian football marketing after watching IPL cricket matches," Chelsea chief executive officer Peter Kenyon said after discussions with AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco and national chief coach Bob Houghton in Panaji.

"We are exploring a series of skill areas and that will be part of our discussion," Kenyon added.

"We can learn a lot from Chelsea CEO who is regarded as one of world soccer's leading executives with an unparalleled network of contacts across FIFA, UEFA," Colaco said.

"They are a great example of big football while India is developing football and we ought to derive the maximum benefit from them as it can set a great example for football in India," Houghton said.