Praful Patel re-elected WIFA President

Patel served as the AIFF President from 2009-2022

Former AIFF President Praful Patel has been elected as the President of Western India Football Association (WIFA) again. Mr. Praful Patel's re-election as President of the WIFA heralds another chapter in his football administration career. WIFA serves as the governing body for football across Maharashtra's districts.

The Western India Football Association (WIFA), presided over by Mr. Patel, has been instrumental in governing football in Maharashtra, with its roots dating back to 1911. WIFA's mission is to promote and develop football in the state. Its significant contribution includes the renovation of Mumbai's Cooperage Ground, the only national football stadium, which was successfully completed in 2014, further enhancing football development in the region.

Prior to this role, Mr. Patel presided over India's football landscape as the President of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) from 2009 to 2022. However, his term was truncated when the Committee of Administrators (CoA) took over following a Supreme Court appointment.

His influence extended beyond India, with Mr. Patel becoming the Vice President of the SAFF region at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in 2015. In December 2016, he assumed the role of Senior Vice President at the AFC. His international presence grew when he joined the FIFA Finance Committee for a four-year term in 2017.

In 2013, Mr. Patel undertook the ambitious task of bidding for India to host the 2015 and 2016 FIFA World Club Championships, showing his commitment to showcasing India's football potential on the global stage.

Under his stewardship, the AIFF introduced the Indian Super League (ISL), a pivotal initiative aimed at elevating Indian football's competitiveness worldwide. His strategic partnerships with football giants like the German Football Association (DFB), French Football Federation (FFF), and Japan Football Association (JFA) in 2015 were instrumental in fostering football's growth in India.

Mr. Patel's tenure also saw the revival of international friendlies in India. Mumbai, after 61 years, hosted its first international match when India faced Puerto Rico in 2016, highlighting his commitment to more future friendly matches.

His appointment as the Senior Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation in 2016 further expanded India's influence in the football world. This culminated in India securing the rights to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 and the AFC U-16 Championship in September 2016.

The AIFF's dedication and Mr. Patel's leadership were acknowledged with the AFC Developing Member Association of the Year Award at the AFC's 2016 Annual Awards in Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Praful Patel's journey in football administration stands as a testament to his dedication to Indian football's growth, and his re-election as WIFA President signifies another chapter in this remarkable story.