New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS): FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke Tuesday urged Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Sarbananda Sonowal to support the 2017 U-17 World Cup to be staged in India and also asked the sports minister to help improve the football infrastructure in the country.

"Jerome Valcke briefed the minister about the keenness of FIFA to develop and popularise football at the grassroots level in India. He urged the sports ministry to provide support to make Under-17 World Cup a success," a PIB release said.

"He stressed the need for upgradation of infrastructure like stadia dedicated to football so that India which is full of talent and potential can provide best facilities to its young and upcoming football players," the release added.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel accompanied Valcke, who told Sonowal about the world body's desire to develop and popularise the sport at the grassroots level in India.

Sonowal on his part, welcomed the suggestions given by the FIFA and said the government will extend all possible support to make the under-17 World Cup a success.