The Sports and Youth Services Department and the Delhi Soccer Private Limited signed an agreement here on Saturday in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera to
launch an Indian Super League Club 'Odisha FC' in Bhubaneswar.
As part of the club's operations in State, the club's first team, youth teams, youth football development programme and grassroots football development programme will be based in the State.
The State Government will support the club to relocate to Bhubaneswar through provision of world-class infrastructure for the home matches of the team in the ISL and practice facilities, among other supports needed by the club.
The Government will also liaise with and support the club in its football development activities to further bolster the footballing landscape in the State.
The Chief Minister said, “It is a significant development towards promotion of football in Odisha. I am sure this partnership will inspire our State's footballers to pursue the beautiful game of football with greater commitment.”
“Development of football in the State is of priority to us. Earlier this week, we received the provisional clearance to host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup India 2020 in Bhubaneswar. We are also home to the India U-16 and India U-1D teams as part of our partnership with the All India Football Federation. This project is a significant step in furthering the outreach of football in the state amongst budding footballers and sports lovers alike,” he added.
Odisha FC Owner Dr Anil Sharma said, "Odisha FC will be part of Odisha’s journey to develop a football community and further encourage sporting excellence in the State. The Indian Super League will herald a new era of football in Odisha history."