The FIFA President also gives a brief update on the different activities regarding the reform process and states that ‘the results will be ready for presentation to you at the FIFA Congress in Budapest next May’.
“I hope 2012 is going well for you so far. At FIFA, we made our now traditional start to the year with the FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich on January 9, a gala which wedded the rhythm of music with the rhythm of football thanks to the presence of the leading players in the men’s and women’s game – Lionel Messi and Homare Sawa – and superstar artist Shakira.
In the seven days following the gala, I got down to business by holding a very positive meeting with former World Cup-winner Romário, now a member of the Brazilian parliament, to discuss the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. I also received a visit from Football Federation Australia President Frank Lowy to the Home of FIFA, during which we had a constructive exchange of views.
Another traditional date in my calendar for January is the CIS Cup. This year, the 20th edition of the cup coincided with the celebration of the centenary of the Football Union of Russia. On this occasion, I also had the chance to meet Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin together with Michel Platini, as well as 25 football associations from Europe and Asia.
After returning to Zurich last week, I had a number of interesting meetings with influential people who are leaders in their particular fields: Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of anti-racism organisation Kick It Out, Sir Martin Sorrell, communications and advertising expert, and Rupert Murdoch, whose FOX network acquired the US media rights for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups last year.
Looking ahead to my programme in February, I will be travelling to Paraguay for the CONMEBOL Congress and to Gabon for the CAF Congress and the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off on January 21.
I would like to finish with a quick update on the different activities regarding the reform process. The second round of meetings of the Task Forces took place this month, as well as the inaugural meeting of the Independent Governance Committee, with the next round of meetings scheduled for the second half of February. The reform process is therefore on track and the results will be ready for presentation to you at the FIFA Congress in Budapest next May.
I wish you all the best with your own activities and thank you for your teamwork, ongoing support and trust.
For the Game. For the World.”
Story courtesy of FIFA.com.
For more on the world game go to www.fifa.com

Share