Himalayan News Service

Lalitpur, March 28:

The three ANFA technical sites, which are being built under the FIFA Goal Project, are on the verge of completion. Mohsen Gilani, assistant Development Officer of FIFA, today completed the three-day inspection visit of the sites at Dharan, Butwal and Lalitpur. Gilani said, “Lalitpur, in particular, is in great shape and is almost done.” He also said that in other two sites the structure was complete and the only thing remaining was the ground maintainance. Asked about the selection of the sites, he said, “We selected the places where football has a future and is popular among people.” He further opined that the step ANFA has taken in constructing the technical sites, is a good sign for the development of football in Nepal. “This way football can prosper nationwide and I am happy that the association does not aim at concentrating the sites in the capital only,” he added.

Gilani was optimistic about the sites and the follow-up ANFA would be making in future. Goal Project is one of FIFA’s development projects and the standard amount given to all member associations is $4,00,000. “It is not necessary that the amount recieved from FIFA should be invested in building technical sites alone in the first project,” said ANFA vice president Narendra Shrestha. He further informed that the technical site, being built in Chyasal, Lalitpur will be inaugurated on May 13. “The main idea of the Goal Project is to develop infrastructure with the help of FIFA,” said Gilani. He also said that the FIFA supports its member associations in developing technical sites, fields, headquarters, but not stadiums. Gilani added, “The Goal Project in Nepal is going to have a positive imapct and to have this facility in Dharan is remarkable.” After the completion of the first project, the member associations can apply for a second one, provided the first project finishes in time and with FIFA’s satisfaction.