AIFF and Odisha renew MoU to expand elite youth football

Key facts

• The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, signed a renewed five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand elite youth football.
• The partnership strengthens the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy under the Talent Development Scheme of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
• The MoU was signed by Dr. Vijay Yeddula, Director of Sports, DSYS, and Mr. M. Satyanarayan, Deputy Secretary General, AIFF.
• AIFF will lead the technical and operational aspects of player development, while DSYS will provide institutional, financial, and infrastructure support.
• Achievements from the first cohort include a semi-final finish in the U17 AIFF Elite Youth League 2024-25, four players in the India U17 national team setup, and one Odisha girl in the India U19 Women’s National Team.