India’s hopes of hosting the under-17 football World Cup in 2017 may receive a major boost should FIFA president Sepp Blatter, prime minister Manmohan Singh and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) officials have a successful talk in New Delhi on Friday.

Blatter will meet with the prime minister and then address the executive committee of the AIFF during his day-long visit to the capital. He is also expected to meet president Pratibha Patil and sports minister Ajay Maken.

The Swiss administrator has been keen on India playing host to major FIFA tournaments. The under-17 World Cup is seen as a major step in that direction. It is also likely to boost infrastructure in the country. This will be Blatter’s second visit to India after 2007.

“Any major tournament needs the government’s support. Blatter is expected to seek an assurance from the prime minister for India’s bid. He’d like to know how the AIFF and the government plan to utilise the opportunity to popularise the sport in India,” an AIFF official said.

The AIFF has submitted a bid to host the under-17 World Cup in 2017. Jamaica and Guatemala are the other nations in the fray.

The host country will be selected by FIFA’s executive committee next month. If awarded, it will be the biggest football tournament in India. It will also give India a ticket for participation, the first time in its history.

“The under-17 World Cup is one of the main topics on our agenda,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das told DNA. “We have expressed our interest in hosting the tournament. It is very important for us to organise these events as it augurs well for the sport’s development. The FIFA president would like to know how well prepared we are in terms of infrastructure to host such a tournament.”