Gianni Infantino
Representational picture

Gianni Infantino, head of football's world governing body, FIFA, has congratulated Minerva Punjab FC, the recently crowned I-League 2017-18 champions. Minerva Punjab FC created history by becoming the first team from North India in the history of I-League to win the crown jewel of Indian Football. In a letter to Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation, Infantino mentioned, "It gives me great pleasure to send my warmest congratulations to Minerva Punjab FC for their first ever title, becoming the first team from North India to win the crown jewel of Indian Football after 21 years."