Mamata congratulated Atletico de Kolkata for winning the ISL and urged them to take the game to the grassroots. (Source: PTI)

The Rabindra Sarobar Stadium here is set to host the final of the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup. All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel, who was a special guest at Atletico de Kolkata’s civic reception at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, expressed interest in taking the pretigious tournament to the multi-purpose venue and Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who was also on stage, approved it.

Patel congratulated Atletico Kolkata for becoming the ISL champions in its inaugural edition and said: “This city needs a world-class football stadium. Salt Lake Stadium is there, but it’s a multi-sport venue. If the state government hands over the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium to us (AIFF), we will make it the best football stadium in the country. India would be hosting the U-17 Fifa World Cup in 2017 and I will use my good offices to ensure that Kolkata hosts the final. We’ve got a busy football calendar ahead. We will bid for the Fifa Club World Cup and then the Fifa U-20 World Cup.”

“We are delighted to have the ISL with us. This is a football revolution. A dynamic change is taking place. Football had been on the back seat for the last 30-40 years. This is the rebirth of the game. Kolkata has to be at the forefront,” Patel said.

A visibly delighted chief minister gave her approval. “Done,” she said. “We will be happy to hand it (Rabindra Sarobar Stadium) over to AIFF. Give life to the new born. Also, we would love to have a world-class football stadium at Rajarhat. Atletico de Kolkata, AIFF and others should join hands to make it happen. The state government will provide the land.”

Mamata congratulated Atletico de Kolkata for winning the ISL and urged them to take the game to the grassroots. “We are proud of you Atletico de Kolkata. Your win has helped us dream big. You’ve glorified the game. Now take it to the grassroots.”

Compared to the IPL celebrations, this function, however, was a low-key affair. The team’s overseas recruits and coach Antonio Lopez Habas have already returned to their respective countries. Co-owner Sourav Ganguly, too, couldn’t turn up as he was away in Australia on a commentary assignment. Nine players were present, along with assistant coach Jose Barreto.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Football Academy chief coach Gautam Sarkar announced at the programme that Atletico Kolkata centre-half Arnab Mondal has been contacted by a Spanish club. Mondal, however, said no approach has been made yet.