Lankan in luck’s way with FIFA

The 64th FIFA congress held for two days concluded on June 11 with the participation of all 209 member associations at Sao Paulo, Brazil just a day prior to the kickoff of world’s biggest sporting showpiece 20th Football FIFA World Cup.

“This is the first time that all 209 member associations have taken part in a congress” FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter, expressed his satisfaction.

The opening day was on Tuesday, merely a celebrative event with welcome address by FIFA president and awards of recognition to individuals who made remarkable contribution to the game in each confederations. On Wednesday the business of FIFA congress started with the official welcome address by the FIFA President Blatter.

The items of age limit and term of for FIFA officials were put on vote and these two items were not approved by the majority. This means these two talking points will not be discussed any further in the next congress.

Blatter announced that FIFA will provide a financial assistance of USD 250,000 immediately and another USD 500,000 end of his year to all 209 member associations. This means, all 209 member countries will receive a total of USD 750,000 from FIFA. This financial assistance was offered in addition to the usual FAP funds already offered by the FIFA. Also, six confederations would receive a financial grant of USD 7 million from FIFA.

For Sri Lanka, this is the most useful and timely assistance which is nearly Rs. 100 million for the development of football to a new era. Football in Sri Lanka is now taking new change under the presidency of Ranjith Rodrigo, after he was elected last year.

In an interesting move at the FIFA congress, Sri Lanka Football was recognised by providing FFSL president Rodrigo to address the 209 members of the congress. It is probably the first time in history; a Sri Lankan Football President has addressed a FIFA congress.

In his speech Rodrigo expressed his gratitude to the President and officials of FIFA for the great service rendered for football. Rodrigo has secured USD 1 million financial support from FIFA to develop the Pedris Park grounds in Colombo with an artificial turf.

FFSL President Rodrigo, General Secretary Upali Hewage and Treasurer M. Jawsi are now in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the congress. They attended the opening ceremony and the curtain raiser match between Brazil and Croatia, which the hosting country won 3-1. The FIFA World Cup will continue for the next one month till July 13 in Brazil.