New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) Indian football received a boost Saturday with Japanese electronics major Panasonic becoming the jersey sponsor of the senior national team.

All India football Federation (AIFF) president Praful Patel said it was a positive development not only for football but also for other sports. The deal is worth Rs.47.5 million for a period of three years.

'Panasonic has a big presence in international football. Their association with the national team will boost the sport in the country. This is also a crucial juncture for Indian football as we are heading towards the Asian Cup in 2011,' he said.

The national team will now have to play a minimum of six international matches every year and are likely to play Thailand, also sponsored by Panansonic, in an international friendly soon.

'From this year, we will play lot of international matches. This will help us to prepare not only for the Asian Cup but also move up the rankings ladder,' Patel said.

AIFF secretary-general Alberto Colaco said that chief coach Bob Houghton will be in India next week and will chart out the team's final roadmap to Qatar for the Asian Cup in January, 2011.