Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Professional (LPFP), the organisers of professional soccer in Portugal, became the latest international body to be lured by the promising sports scenario in the country.

The apex body of Portuguese football today signed a memorandum of understanding with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to help lift the standard of football in the country.

India can now expect Portuguese expertise for development of the game at grassroots level, coaching and assistance for infrastructure development to support the national side.

AIFF secretary Alberto Colaco and LPFP vice-president Ricardo Castanheira signed the deal in the presence of AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Laurentino Dias, Minister of Youth and Sports of Portugal, and LPFP executive director Antonio Carlos Ramos.

“Portugal and India share a long historical relationship and sporting ties will only strengthen our bond. Both of us will benefit from each other’s strengths. In India’s case it’s the booming economy that’s a certain attraction,” said Castanheira.

Outlining the scheme of things to unfold, Castanheira said: “We have zeroed in on some areas like coaching, refereeing, sports medicine, and academics — where we have made major developments and can really contribute.”

He added that the process will start early next year and will take place in the months of March, June and November next year.

Castanheira said that Portugal can help the Indian body set up some real good academies to unearth and nurture talent. “The way we mange our academies is our strength and our efforts show in form of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is a product of that system. We can really help Indian football, especially when we know there is no dearth of talent,” he said.

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