After years of accusations that cricket had overshadowed other sports, the Board of Cricket Control for India has decided to support and promote football among other games in the country. In a major decision, BCCI working committee on Thursday (August 13), decided to grant Rs 25 crore to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in a bid to improve upon the status of the game in the country.

BCCIhas also contributed Rs 50 crore to the National Sports Development Fund to help Indian athletes improve their performance in the Commonwealth games.

The money to the AIFF will be paid in two instalments of Rs 12.5 crore each.

AIFF acting president, Praful Patel had appealed the BCCI to help the football federation with finances, which was accepted by the BCCI working committee.

The decision by cricket board has received widespread appreciation, while Patel thanked BCCI for granting Rs 25 crore for the development of football in the country. This grant, he said, will help in making India a great footballing nation.

Merinews