AIFF to sign 25 players exclusively for Team India, under national team project ''Goal 2011'

The AIFF has announced its plan to select and sign 25 players exclusively for the national team until the AFC Asian Cup 2011. The list of 25 players selected by India coach Bob Houghton, includes stars like Bhaichung Bhutia, Subrata Paul, Sunil Chetri and Steven Dias among others.

The national team project has been named 'Goal 2011' and has been approved by the AIFF executive committee. The project is likely to cost the AIFF around Rs 40 crore and set to kick-off in June 2009.
The aim of 'Goal 2011' is to keep the national team players together till the Asian finals and to play around 30 international matches in this period. All the players would be paid their salaries by the AIFF and some them will be "transfered" to Team India from their clubs, while their respective clubs will be paid "transfer fees".

'Goal 2011' is an ambitious plan by the AIFF to prepare the Indian national team for the AFC Asian Cup 2011, but may fail to excel due to the costs of such a project. The AIFF is hoping to rope in sponsors to invest the money into friendly matches, the salaries and all other expenses.