The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was approved as a venue for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup to be held in India next year. A 23-member delegation from world football's governing body FIFA provided the nod of approval on Thursday.
The stakeholders of the stadium ensured the work was done to fulfil all compliance criteria for the final ratification, stated a release.
Tournament director Javier Ceppi told IANS, "Credit goes to the DY Patil group, they have been a fantastic partner into making a World Cup in Navi Mumbai a reality. The choice to ratify them as a venue was not hard, because this is a world class facility with world class owners. We hope that this is a great step to make football even bigger in Maharashtra."
Vijay Patil, the president of DY Patil Sports Academy said, "I am delighted to know that Navi Mumbai is selected as the venue for FIFA U-17 World Cup. I wish to place on record deep appreciation for FIFA, AIFF [All India Football Federation] and its president, Mr Praful Patel, WIFA [Western India Football Association] and all individuals who have worked hard to ensure this tournament is a huge success."
The venue becomes the second to be confirmed for the tournament next year after the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi received ratification on Wednesday.