Blatter congratulates Mohun Bagan on I-League win
Zurich, June 4 (IANS) Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter has congratulated Indian football giants Mohun Bagan on winning the I-League.
In a letter addressed to the All India Football Association (AIFF) on Wednesday Blatter wrote: "A National Team victory is a wonderful occasion and an opportunity to draw satisfaction from a job well done."
"I know that behind this success are the belief and effort of everyone involved. This is a true team victory, and all of you deserve to share in the accolade; the players and coach of course, but also the technical and medical staff, not least, the loyal fans," he wrote.
Mohun Bagan won its maiden I-League trophy after drawing 1-1 with runners-up Bengaluru FC on May 31. It was their first trophy in 5 years, ending a 13-year wait to win the country's most prestigious football competition.
"Football is proving more than ever that it can transcend traditional boundaries to become a real driver of development. It enables players at all levels to develop their individual skills, tactical understanding and personal dynamism, all the while strengthening team spirit.
"Football truly is a school for life and I am convinced that everyone, and in particular the young people of today, can benefit from playing football on both a social and personal level," he added.
"That is why I urge them all in Mohun Bagan to continue their work, leading the way on this path of success. Football is helping to build a better future and I wish to thank Mohun Bagan for playing their part in this."
Blatter was re-elected FIFA president for the fifth time last Friday but immense pressure following the arrest of senior FIFA officials over a corruption scandal forced him to quit on Tuesday.
Blatter is being investigated by the American authorities for possible wrongdoing in the FIFA corruption and bribery scandal.