Kolkata: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for successfully organizing the matches at various stages and the final of the Under-17 World Cup last month. In a letter from FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Infantino also praised Banerjee for the way the tournament was hosted at the Salt Lake Stadium including the final. 

"I would like to congratulate your government on its role in your country's successful hosting of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. I would also like to thank you on behalf of the entire FIFA delegation for affording us such a cordial welcome and warm hospitality," he wrote to Banerjee. The FIFA president also praised Banerjee's vision about the game in breaking down the cultural and social barriers and making the game accessible to all. 

He also thanked the West Bengal government for the development of football and promoting the values of the game in India. Promising all assistance from FIFA in developing the game in the region, Infantino lauded Banerjee for deciding on providing 15-acre of land to the AIFF for the National Centre of Excellence for Football near here. 

The Salt Lake Stadium here had hosted 11 matches of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, including the final. Kolkata co-hosted the mega event along with New Delhi, Guwahati, Navi Mumbai, Kochi, and Margao.