The Lao Football Federation (LFF) plans to implement a football development programme that will improve the nation's world ranking within the next three years.

The Lao national team is currently ranked outside the top 170 nations, according to FIFA.

LFF President Mr Viphet Sihachakr was this month selected as one of three vice presidents of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) at its 18th Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

The LFF will this year receive more than 4 billion kip (US$500,000) from the FIFA Goal Project to develop Lao footballers from the grassroots level. The LFF previously received US$400,000 from the project.

The LFF will use the funds to develop players at the male under-13, u-16, u-19 and u-23 levels, as well as women's teams. It will also seek foreign investment to support Lao football.

The LFF will hold various activities for footballers, such as men's u-16 and u-19 tournaments at AFF and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) levels, and the Asean Women's Football Championship in Vientiane in October.

Mr Viphet said the federation will strive to make Lao teams competitive at the international level, and encourage more Lao players to join foreign clubs.

Laos will play Cambodia in the first round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. The first leg in Cambodia will be held on June 29, and the second leg in Vientiane on July 3.

Some 40 footballers from the Lao League have been selected to play in the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia in November.

Laos finished in fourth place in football at the 25th SEA Games on home soil in 2009, but is ranked eighth of all Asean nations.

Mr Viphet said Laos will aim to equal this feat at the games in Indonesia.

The LFF will also hold a training course for Lao football trainers and referees in a bid to improve their standards.

The LFF is currently responsible for the sports complex in Xaythany district, which will this year hold many football events. At the facility, youngsters can also take part in swimming, tennis, volleyball, badminton and other sports.

The Lao League is nearing its second half of the season, and Mr Viphet said various activities will be held to attract spectators, including giveaways.

He said the LFF hopes to develop the league up to a semi-professional level within a period of three years.

The two teams that finish ninth and tenth this season will play off against provincial teams to determine who will play in the Lao League next year.