New Delhi: All India Football Federation on Sunday (October 18) appointed former India Captain Bhaichung Bhutia as the “Advisor” for “overall issues of the game and the Federation.”

AIFF President Praful Patel tweeted on Sunday morning from his Official account @praful_patel saying: ‘Have appointed Bhaichung Bhutia as Advisor to #AIFF and myself for the overall issues of the game and the Federation.’

Patel followed it up in another tweet saying: ‘Welcome on board #Bhaichung. First call improving the #Indian National team and readying the boys for World Cup U17. #AIFF’

Speaking to www.the-aiff.com, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said: “We look up to Bhaichung to advice us on improving the National Team’s performance and also help in the development of the squad for the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.”

“Furthermore, we look forward to his advice on the licensing criteria of State FAs, development of Clubs and all other domestic Competitions, both men and women and across all age groups,” Mr. Das stated.

Bhutia, who is already the Chairman of AIFF Technical Committee, said, ““I intend to work and coordinate with all stakeholders including the Clubs and the State FAs to take Indian Football forward,” he informed.