“No, I am not satisfied with the development of football here in Sri Lanka. It would be a bad compliment if I said I am satisfied.”
8th President of FIFA, Joseph Blatter was speaking at the media conference at the Taj Samudra to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.
“Need to work hard now that you have more and more support. The Football Federation needs to ensure there is development in the future to be competitive at the world stage and then I’ll be satisfied.” He further added.
President of FIFA, Joseph Blatter, AFC President Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa headed the VIP delegation that arrived in Sri Lanka on the 1st of December on a 36 hour whirlwind stay which included meeting with HE President Mahinda Rajapakse, declaring open the much anticipated and long awaited Football Stadium in Jaffna, launch the National Football Jersey, honour three icons in Sri Lankan football and preside over a banquet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of local football.
“This is my fifth visit to Sri Lanka and third as the President of FIFA. I am delighted to be back in your beautiful country. It is pure emotion. I wanted to come here two years and one year ago, but couldn’t. The opening of the Jaffna Stadium is a significant achievement and FIFA is confident that this will serve to further develop football in the northern region. Just imagine what football can do, join the war torn north with the tsunami struck south.”
“Your President Mahinda Rajapakse and Minister of Sports renewed his assurance to support the development of local football when we met him earlier. Minister of Sports is enthusiastic about taking the game of football forward and making it popular around the country.” Blatter went on to say.
In the press conference President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, Ranjith Rodrigo thanked FIFA for the continuous financial and technical guidance.
“FIFA and AFC with their financial support has been a pillar of strength to us. Also they have provided us with the equipment and technical assistance with different coaching, administration and refereeing courses, grassroots programs likewise.” Rodrigo remarked.
“It is a beautiful occasion to be here for the 75th Anniversary celebrations. The progress been made by Ranjith Rodrigo led Football Federation has been remarkable, but there is a lot that needs to be done.” AFC President, Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said in his speech.
Sri Lanka can play an important role in this region, in the development of football and am sure AFC will look into making Sri Lanka the hub in promoting the game in this region. Sri Lanka had a good national team in the past and I am sure under the guidance of the Football Federation those days will soon come back.” Sheikh Salman added his vision for Sri Lanka in the AFC.
