Updated on Friday, July 03, 2009, 18:03 IST

New Delhi, July 03: Goa Football Association (GFA) Secretary Savio Messias and former Vision India Director Shaji Prabhakaran on Friday confirmed they are applying for the AIFF General Secretary’s post which is lying vacant after the resignation of incumbent Alberto Colaco.

Savio, the current GFA General Secretary, said he has decided to throw his hat into the ring as he thinks Indian football needs a lot of improvement and many people in the country want him to apply for the post.

“Lots of people all over the country have asked me to apply for the post. So I am applying for the post though I will take a final decision in a week’s time,” Savio told reporters from Goa.

Savio is seen as somebody who knows Indian football in depth and has his own views on many aspects of the game in the country.

He said Indian football needs improvement in various areas but would talk about the issues later on.

“It is too early to say what I want but Indian football needs improvement in various areas. I will talk about them if I am elected,” said Savio, who has been GFA Secretary since 2003.

Shaji, who looked after the Vision India Project under the Asian Football Confederation’s ambitious Vision Asia Programme for more than four years, also confirmed he is applying for the top post.

“I am applying for the post and will do that before the last date of July 15,” Shaji said.

Colaco’s resignation has been accepted by the AIFF Executive Committee and he has been asked to continue till a new General Secretary is appointed.

Bureau Report