Joseph Blatter to visit Azerbaijan

A meeting between AFFA president Rovnag Abdullayev and FİFA president Joseph Blatter held in Sankt-Petersburg, Russia. During the meeting, AFFA president informed the head of the international football organization on projects implemented in Azerbaijan in recent years for the development of football in the country.

It was noted that, due to the constant care and attention directed at the development of sport in our country, on the instructions of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev considerable work has been done for expansion of infrastructure in recent years. Stadiums are constructing in different regions of the country. The ceremony of laying the foundation of the Olympic Stadium held last year with the participation of President Aliyev and the president of FIFA. J.Blatter also attended the opening ceremony of "Dalga Arena" in AFFA Football Centre.

Mr.Abdullayev also informed FIFA President on regular works, aimed at organizing on high-level FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup Azerbaijan 2012, which will be held in our country for the first time. It was noted that the head of the state keep under review the preparatory work for this prestigious championship, regularly provides advices and recommendations. Azerbaijan President signed an Executive Order declaring the year 2012 "The Year of Sport" in Azerbaijan and it is the result of attention to the sport of the government.

The First Lady of Azerbaijan, president of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva launched starting counter this competition, which has caused a great resonance among the public. In other words, we are constantly expanding our cooperation with FIFA; we try to fulfill all the requirements and recommendations of the international football organization. At the meeting, they were shown video clips demonstrating the preparations for the championship.

Guests were given books about preparing for the championship. FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter praised the preparations for the World Cup in Azerbaijan and said that I was sure of this beforehand. I have friendly relationship with the head of your state Ilham Aliyev for many years and I know that he does his best to promote sport, especially football in the country. I am also pleased with the social and cultural programs related to this championship. I confidently can say that these projects are more contribute to the championship.

Reports of FIFA representatives made after their visits to Azerbaijan shows the responsibility of employees of the event. AFFA president Rovnag Abdullaev invited FIFA President to take part at the opening ceremony of the championship. J.Blatter gladly accepted the invitation of AFFA President and said that he would come to Azerbaijan on 22 September this year.

AFFA vice-president Elshad Nasirov and general secretary Elkhan Mammadov also attended the meeting. At the end of the meeting, the guests were photographed.


/AFFA/