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India's most decorated footballer Sunil Chhetri has urged his fellow players to continue giving their best on the pitch and not to pay much attention about FIFA's prevailing threat of suspension on Indian football. Notably, FIFA threatened to suspend All India Football Federation and strip off its right to host the women's U-17 World Cup in October due to a third party influence.
FIFA directives came after the Supreme Court's order to hold election of the national federation. The SC-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) has started the electoral process and the highly-anticipated elections are slated for August 28.
"I have spoken to the boys and my advice is to not pay much attention as its not in our control. People who are involved are doing their best to make sure that we come out of this with the best result possible," said Chhetri during a virtual media interaction organized by Bengaluru FC.
He further revealed that he has told players to better their game and put their best performance. "We have to make sure that we better ourselves. Whenever you get an opportunity to represent your club or your country, put your best foot forward. All other stakeholders in the AIFF are making best possible attempt to fix things for us to make sure that they come out with flying colors," added Chhetri.
India is set to host the FIFA women's U-17 World Cup from October 11-30 and the Union Cabinet approved the Signing of Guarantees for hosting the women's age group showpiece in Bhubaneshwar, Goa and Mumbai.
Speaking of the possibilities of the Durand Cup, Chhetri said that 'its a very special one.' "As a club we are yet to win the Durand Cup. I have been fortunate to win a lot of tournaments, almost every tournament one can win in India, but the Durand Cup is missing in the cabinet. We are going to do everything to pull it off and and won the tournament," said Sunil Chhetri.