Roma Khanna Stepped Down From Tournament Director Of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

Roma Khanna: The tournament director of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and AFC Women's Asian Cup, Roma Khanna stepped down from her position on Saturday, April 10.

She had been the Superhead of the U-17 World Cup back in 2019. Khanna was also later appointed as the Tournament Director for the Local organising Committee. She also led the bid for AFC Women's Asian Cup. The event is set to happen in January next year in India. On Saturday in a statement, Khanna thanked the AIFA for trusting her.

Roma Khanna worked with AIFF for 10 years and led women's football in the country.

Mr Kushal Das, AIFF General Secretary said that Khanna showed great leadership and contributed a lot towards Indian football. Khanna has set up the club licencing system in the I-League, successfully bidded two women's football tournaments bringing them to India, and held venue operations during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017 across six cities. She also set up the National Centre of excellence.

Talking about women's sports in India, she said that 2021 will be a big year for football and women's sport in India and that she can not wait to cheer them. Khanna also said that leading the tournament in India has been her honour and privilege.

The previous director of the Local Organising Committee for FIFA U-17 said that she is proud of the work done by the Committee and she is grateful to the team. She also said that the team shares the same vision about women's football in India.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said that he's saddened but respects her decision and wishes her the best for her future.

India was scheduled to host the 2020 edition of the showpiece was scheduled from November 2-21, however, it was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

FIFA announced India as the host for next the edition in 2022.