The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has given its support to the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) to develop a football information management system.

The project aims at creating synchronism among federations to ensure the existence of football worldwide and consolidate it as the world's most popular sport.

FIFA's information systems manager Christian Michels said it would take three years to complete the project, with completion expected in 2014. In the meantime, FIFA will implement the first steps of the system such as building registration software for footballers, coaches and referees, and developing national tournament management software.

FIFA development officer Domeka Garamendi underlined that applying the project in practice would bring big changes to football management and operation.

Speaking at a meeting on Sunday, VFF chairman Nguyen Trong Hy said that the system would contribute to management reform and increase the quality of operation, helping Viet Nam catch up with global football development.

Viet Nam is one of 14 FIFA members set to benefit from the project. In the Southeast Asian region, the organisation also supports Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. — VNS