Sepp Blatter congratulates Mohun Bagan on I-League win

Sepp Blatter

Zurich, June 4 (IANS)

Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter has congratulated Indian football giants Mohun Bagan on winning the I-League. In a letter addressed to the All India Football Association (AIFF) on Wednesday Blatter wrote: “A National Team victory is a wonderful occasion and an opportunity to draw satisfaction from a job well done.”

“I know that behind this success are the belief and effort of everyone involved. This is a true team victory, and all of you deserve to share in the accolade; the players and coach of course, but also the technical and medical staff, not least, the loyal fans,” he wrote.

Mohun Bagan won its maiden I-League trophy after drawing 1-1 with runners-up Bengaluru FC on May 31. It was their first trophy in 5 years, ending a 13-year wait to win the country's most prestigious football competition.

Blatter urges Mohun Bagan to continue the “good work”

“Football is proving more than ever that it can transcend traditional boundaries to become a real driver of development. It enables players at all levels to develop their individual skills, tactical understanding and personal dynamism, all the while strengthening team spirit.

“Football truly is a school for life and I am convinced that everyone, and in particular the young people of today, can benefit from playing football on both a social and personal level,” he added.

“That is why I urge them all in Mohun Bagan to continue their work, leading the way on this path of success. Football is helping to build a better future and I wish to thank Mohun Bagan for playing their part in this.”

Blatter was re-elected FIFA president for the fifth time last Friday, but immense pressure following the arrest of senior FIFA officials over a corruption scandal forced him to quit on Tuesday.

Blatter is being investigated by the American authorities for possible wrongdoing in the FIFA corruption and bribery scandal.