MUMBAI: Television format creator and distributor FremantleMedia celebrates the entertainment format ?The X Factor?s success as the format reaches 40 territory sales. TV4 in Sweden and Rustavi 2 in Georgia have become the latest broadcasters to acquire the sensational Syco owned format created by Simon Cowell and produced or licensed by FremantleMedia around the world.

?The X Factor? has launched in nine new territories since the beginning of last year alone, including India, Chile, Kazakhstan, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and the USA, where it was Fox?s number one autumn new series launch for five years. This blockbuster ratings-winner has been the number one programme in Denmark for the past five years, with an incredible 40 per cent of the population tuning in. The X Factor is also the number one programme ever for Italy?s Sky Uno and has been the UK?s number one show for the past two years in a row.

FremantleMedia president, worldwide entertainment Trish Kinane said, "The latest sales of The X Factor cement the format?s position as one of the leading entertainment shows of this generation. This blockbuster format has enjoyed immense success all over the world and continues its remarkable track record of re-commissions, topping ratings lists and inspiring audiences in multiple territories worldwide. We?re extremely proud of the creative and commercial strengths across the FremantleMedia network that have seen formats like The X Factor thrive."

Syco Entertainment head of international George Levendis said, "The X Factor continues to build spectacularly season on season, launching in the US in 2011, being the most watched show in the UK and the breakthrough success in Australia and Italy last year. We are thrilled with the on-going progress of The X Factor as we work alongside FremantleMedia to produce and licence the format in many more markets in the future."

MUMBAI: The All India Football Federation is planning to bid for the under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 in a bid to take the popularity of the sport to the next level.

Described as a ?sleeping giant? by none other than the current FIFA president Sepp Blatter, the Indian football has been going through lots of high in the recent past with developments like Argentina-Venezuela match and the visit of Blackburn Rovers to Pune among others. The hosting of U-17 FIFA WC could well be the turning point for the sport, that is if all goes as per the plan.

AIFF vice-president A R Khaleel said that the national body is serious in its bid to host the Under 17 World Cup. "India is going to bid for the Under 17 World Cup in 2017. But it will be a long process and the AIFF will have to take permission from the government. It will be a long process."

Khaleel also brushed aside concerns, saying the country has the infrasturcture required to host this event. He also hinted that the event will be held at four or five countries across the country.

"Four or five venues will be enough and it can be held across the country. We have Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Delhi, Banglaore Football Association Stadium, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai and Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata where the matches can be held. So we have the infrastructure," he said.

AIFF president Praful Patel had in the past expressed his desire to host the under 17 World Cup in 2017 following FIFA director for Member Associations and Development Division, Thierry Regenasses mooted the idea for India to host the tournament in 2017 or 2019.

The U-17 World Cup is a 24-team held every two years. The 2013 edition of the tournament will be hosted by United Arab Emirates while the 2015 event will be held in Chile.