Indian teams can qualify for World Cups on merit if country's football structure is reformed: Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia said after filing his nomination papers for the AIFF president's post. Former captain Bhutia on Thursday filed fresh nomination papers ahead of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) elections scheduled to be held on September 2. His nomination was proposed by Andhra Football Association (AFA) and seconded by Rajasthan FA.

"Indian teams, in age groups as well as senior teams, can qualify for World Cups on merit in the coming years but for that you need reforms and clean-up in the country's football system," Bhutia told PTI. "We need more focus on grassroots development, we also need to give more emphasis on state associations because the talented youngsters will come only from the states. So, more budget will have to allocated to the states." The Indian men's team featured in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 as the hosts.

The women's side will also take part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in October as the world body is likely to revoke the ban imposed on the AIFF for "undue influence from third parties" in a few days. The 45-year-old Bhutia, who retired in 2011 after becoming the first Indian to play 100 international matches, said he will try to allot more money to the state associations if he is elected president of the AIFF. "We have to focus more on two things.

One is grassroots development and the other is more funding to state associations. There is no substitute to grassroots development, that is well known. But I want more focus and activity in that direction," said the talisman of the national team in his playing days.