AIFF finalises Asian Cup planning

The official dates in the AIFF proposal,however,state that the team will actively start preparing for the Asian Cup with a training camp under national coach Bob Houghton — from November 15-December 5 — only after the I-League (tentatively scheduled from September 1-November 15). The programme involves the training of 27 players under Houghton and attending camps and participation in international matches (including the SAFF Cup and the AFC Challenge Cup 2010).

“The original plan was given by Bob (Houghton) according to which the project would have commenced from next year without disturbing the I-League this year. There were other proposals too,but after a meeting with club officials,the executive committee and the president-in-charge (Praful Patel),we have decided to go by Bob’s plan,” Colaco said.

The SAFF Cup will be followed by international friendlies,though the dates are subject to the international calendar. “The dates might change as the SAFF Cup and AFC Challenge Cup fixtures and venues haven’t been decided yet. According to the present schedule,the players will be together for the maximum possible time before the Asian Cup,” Colaco said.

Asian Cup 2011 preparation schedule: June 25: Training camp; July 5- August 5: Camp in Portugal/Spain,international friendlies; August 19-31: Nehru Cup; November 15-December 5: Training camp; December 1- December 15 : SAFF tournament/international friendlies; February 2010: Training camp; February-March 2010: AFC Challenge Cup/international friendlies; June 15,2010- January 21,2011: Training camps/tournaments and international friendlies/ matches against Olympic/Asian Games teams.