Bhutia laments lack of infrastructure

Indian captain Bhaichung Bhutia feels that the lack of infrastructure is holding back Indian football.

"Lack of infrastructure is a big problem for us. Clubs don't have their own training grounds," Bhutia said on the sidelines of a promotional event organised by Manchester United Food and Beverage on Thursday, adding it was high time clubs acquired their own training facilities.

Asked about few Indian coaches having professional degrees, Bhutia said: "If Indian coaches get degrees it will benefit the sport. In fact, I also had a license while I was playing for Bury FC."

Later in the day, Bhutia, who is the president of the Football Players' Association of India (FPAI), launched its website.

"This website is for the welfare of the players. We have come together to develop the game. Although at the moment we are not as active as we would like to be, but with time, we hope to work on this site. We would also like to include former players in our endeavour to develop the game in India," he pointed out.

Bhutia also said that FPAI would helping out retired players.

"Not all players are lucky to get a chance to make the national team and earn money. We would, through this website, like to help the less fortunate players who have dedicated their lives to football," he maintained.