AFFA and FIFA presidents meet in Russia
Baku, January 23 (AZERTAC). President of the Association of Azerbaijan`s Football Federations (AFFA) Rovnag Abdullayev has met with FIFA President Joseph Blatter in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
During the meeting, Abdullayev briefed the FIFA President on comprehensive activities undertaken for the development of football, emphasizing the support and assistance of the country`s President Ilham Aliyev.
The President of AFFA said a lot of work had been done to improve infrastructure as instructed by President Ilham Aliyev over the past years.
Abdullayev noted stadiums were being built in the country.
He recalled the participation of the Head of State and Joseph Blatter in a groundbreaking ceremony of the Olympic Stadium.
“You also participated in the opening of the Dalga Arena stadium in the Football Centre of AFFA,” the AFFA`s President added.
Rovnag Abdullayev also said that the permanent work is underway to organize successfully the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women`s World Cup in Azerbaijan.
Abdullayev noted that President Ilham Aliyev keeps under his personal control the preparations for the World Cup 2012, makes recommendations and is informed of all arrangements related to the World Cup.
"Under the presidential decree, 2012 in our country has been announced the Year of Sport, which also shows the tremendous support given to sport in the country. Quite remarkable is the fact that the clock counting down the time remaining to the World Cup in 2012 was launched by the First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva. In short, we are always trying to expand our partnership with FIFA, adequately carry out your recommendations and implement joint projects at good level," said the President of AFFA.
Joseph Blatter viewed videos related to preparation for the World Cup 2012. The books related to the World Cup were presented to the FIFA President.
Blatter said he was satisfied with the preparation for the tournament. "I never doubted that everything would be fine, because I know perfectly well that Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev loves sports, especially football, and does so much for its development”, said the head of FIFA. -“Your proposals of social and cultural programs related to the World Cup 2012 are also encouraging. These projects will be particularly useful for the competition. The great responsibility Azerbaijan shows in relation to holding the World Cup 2012 is proven by the reports of representatives of FIFA, constantly visiting your country."
Joseph Blatter said that all his visits to Azerbaijan have been important in terms of football development and expansion of cooperation. In turn, Rovnag Abdullaev invited to the President of FIFA to attend an opening ceremony of the World Cup.
Blatter accepted the invitation, noting that he plans to arrive in Azerbaijan on September 22.
The meeting was attended by vice-president of AFFA Elshad Nasirov and Secretary General Elkhan Mammadov.
Other news in this section
