Zurich: FIFA have confirmed that the Syrian football team has been disqualified from the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and that Tajikistan is thereby reinstated into the competition.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee on 17 August declared the first-leg match of the Second Round (Syria-Tajikistan of 23 July 2011) to be lost by Syria by forfeit (0:3) due to an ineligible player (George Mourad) in the Syrian team taking part in this match.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reached the same decision regarding the second leg match (Tajikistan-Syria of 28 July 2011) due to the same ineligible player also taking part in this match. In conformity with Article 7 of the Regulations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, the Bureau of the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup took the following decisions:
1. The Syrian team is disqualified from the competition, losing their 2nd round knockout phase by forfeit.
2. The Tajikistan team is reinstated in the competition and will thus play in the 3rd round in Group C which resumes as of 2nd September 2011, in replacement of Syria.
Tajikistan will replace Syria in qualifying Group C alongside Japan, Uzbekistan and DPR Korea.
In accordance with Article 3, paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, these decisions are final and binding, and not subject to appeal.
For full FIFA release please visit: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1495459/index.html
Showing posts with label FIFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FIFA. Show all posts
Friday, 19 August 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
uropean Championship Qualifying
uropean Championship Qualifying
* 16:30 - Czech Republic v Liechtenstein (Group I)
* 18:00 - Sweden v Moldova (Group E)
* 18:05 - Israel v Georgia (Group F)
* 18:30 - Turkey v Austria (Group A)
* 18:45 - Romania v Luxembourg (Group D)
* 19:30 - Estonia v Serbia (Group C)
* 19:30 - Holland v Hungary (Group E)
* 19:45 - Belgium v Azerbaijan (Group A)
* 19:45 - Lithuania v Spain (Group I)
* 19:45 - Northern Ireland v Slovenia (Group C)
UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying
* 15:00 - Andorra U21 v Wales U21 (Group 3)
International Match
* 11:00 - South Korea v Montenegro
* 11:35 - China PR v Honduras
* 16:00 - Belarus v Canada
* 16:30 - Qatar v Russia
* 17:00 - Ecuador v Peru
* 18:30 - Cyprus v Bulgaria
* 19:15 - Slovakia v Denmark
* 19:30 - Colombia v Chile
* 19:30 - Greece v Poland
* 19:45 - Germany v Australia
* 19:45 - Ireland v Uruguay
* 19:45 - Ukraine v Italy
* 20:00 - England v Ghana
* 20:00 - France v Croatia
* 20:45 - Portugal v Finland
* 16:30 - Czech Republic v Liechtenstein (Group I)
* 18:00 - Sweden v Moldova (Group E)
* 18:05 - Israel v Georgia (Group F)
* 18:30 - Turkey v Austria (Group A)
* 18:45 - Romania v Luxembourg (Group D)
* 19:30 - Estonia v Serbia (Group C)
* 19:30 - Holland v Hungary (Group E)
* 19:45 - Belgium v Azerbaijan (Group A)
* 19:45 - Lithuania v Spain (Group I)
* 19:45 - Northern Ireland v Slovenia (Group C)
UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying
* 15:00 - Andorra U21 v Wales U21 (Group 3)
International Match
* 11:00 - South Korea v Montenegro
* 11:35 - China PR v Honduras
* 16:00 - Belarus v Canada
* 16:30 - Qatar v Russia
* 17:00 - Ecuador v Peru
* 18:30 - Cyprus v Bulgaria
* 19:15 - Slovakia v Denmark
* 19:30 - Colombia v Chile
* 19:30 - Greece v Poland
* 19:45 - Germany v Australia
* 19:45 - Ireland v Uruguay
* 19:45 - Ukraine v Italy
* 20:00 - England v Ghana
* 20:00 - France v Croatia
* 20:45 - Portugal v Finland
Friday, 11 March 2011
Blatter expresses sympathy to Japan
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has sent a message of sympathy to Japan following the massive earthquake which hit the country earlier today.
The quake, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, unleashed a huge tsunami that crashed into Japan's eastern coastline, sweeping boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.
The FIFA President sent a message to Junji Ogura, a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and President of the Japanese FA which read: "I have been following with sadness the news of the terrible tragedy in your country and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the people of Japan.
The quake struck at 2.46pm local time and was followed by 12 powerful aftershocks, seven of them at least 6.3 on the Richter scale, the size of the quake which struck New Zealand on 22 February.
It struck at a depth of six miles (10km), about 80 miles (125km) off the eastern coast, Japan's meteorological agency said. The area is 240 miles (380km) north east of Tokyo.
"On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families", added the FIFA President.
this conference from fifa.com
sympaty for japan, japan tsunami 2011, maret 11 2011 tsunami, support for japan people
The quake, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, unleashed a huge tsunami that crashed into Japan's eastern coastline, sweeping boats, cars, buildings and tons of debris miles inland.
The FIFA President sent a message to Junji Ogura, a member of the FIFA Executive Committee and President of the Japanese FA which read: "I have been following with sadness the news of the terrible tragedy in your country and I would like to express my deep sympathy to the people of Japan.
On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families.
It struck at a depth of six miles (10km), about 80 miles (125km) off the eastern coast, Japan's meteorological agency said. The area is 240 miles (380km) north east of Tokyo.
"On behalf of FIFA, I wish to extend our moral support and to let you know that our thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families", added the FIFA President.
this conference from fifa.com
sympaty for japan, japan tsunami 2011, maret 11 2011 tsunami, support for japan people
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Barcelona through despite defeat
(PA) Thursday 20 January 2011
Barcelona survived an almighty scare against Real Betis to book their place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey after a 6-3 aggregate victory.
Pep Guardiola's side looked assured of their place in the last four after cruising to a 5-0 win in the first leg, but were quickly on the rack tonight as two goals in the opening seven minutes from Jorge Molina set second-tier Betis on the way to a 3-1 win. The result brought an end to Barcelona's record run of 28 games unbeaten.
The start was a humiliating one for a Barcelona team which, while weakened, still boasted the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, Javier Mascherano and Gerard Pique. And Messi it was who restored some Catalan pride seven minutes before the break as he fired home to reduce the deficit and leave Betis needing to score seven goals to progress.
In the end the hosts could manage just one more goal, through Arzu on the stroke of half-time, but Barcelona's humiliation was not yet quite complete, with Messi's uncharacteristic penalty miss in the second period typifying a poor display by the Primera Division leaders.
In the night's other quarter-final second leg, Almeria beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 to complete a 4-2 aggregate win and secure their place in the final four for the first time. Corona opened the scoring for Almeria in the 19th minute while Albert Crusat made it 2-0 just 60 seconds later.
Depor fought back onto level terms through Pablo Alverez's penalty two minutes before the break and Adrian Lopez's header seven minutes after the restart. But Henok Goitom's penalty put Almeria out of sight in the 55th minute to secure a semi-final berth against Barcelona. fifa.com
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
United go clear in England
United go clear in England
(PA) Tuesday 4 January 2011
Manchester United went three points clear at the top of the English Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Stoke on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Fulham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win at home to West Bromwich Albion while Birmingham also exited the bottom three following a 2-1 victory away to Blackpool.
Javier Hernandez, who scored United's winner in a 2-1 win away to West Brom last time out, broke the deadlock in the 27th minute at Old Trafford with a stylish flick behind his legs from Nani's cross.
However, Stoke were level five minutes after half-time when Dean Whitehead scored their first goal at Old Trafford since 1980 after rising unmarked to head in Tuncay's cross. But just after the hour mark United, the only unbeaten side in English football's top flight this season, regained the lead thanks to Nani's sublime left-footed curler from 20 yards out.
Second-placed Manchester City will go level on points again with United, who presently have a game in hand, if they beat Arsenal on Wednesday. Victory for the Gunners, currently third, would see them leapfrog City and leave Arsenal two points behind United.
Fulham scored on the stroke of half-time when Simon Davies's long-range shot went through the hands of former England goalkeeper Scott Carson, who ought to have saved the strike. The hosts doubled their lead at Craven Cottage when United States midfielder Clint Dempsey headed in Davies's corner in the 56th minute.
And nine minutes later a Davies corner also led to Fulham's third goal, with Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland heading home on this occasion. Albion's fifth defeat in a row left them just two points above the relegation zone.
Birmingham left it it late against Blackpool, Scott Dann scoring their winner in the 89th minute when he he got on the end of Roger Johnson's nod-down from Jean Beausejour's centre.
Alexander Hleb opened the scoring for Birmingham in the 24th minute at Bloomfield Road after intercepting a pass out of defence by the Tangerines' Stephen Crainey before finishing calmly. Blackpool though were level when former Birmingham forward DJ Campbell volleyed home in the 68th minute.
(PA) Tuesday 4 January 2011
Manchester United went three points clear at the top of the English Premier League table after a 2-1 win over Stoke on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Fulham climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-0 win at home to West Bromwich Albion while Birmingham also exited the bottom three following a 2-1 victory away to Blackpool.
Javier Hernandez, who scored United's winner in a 2-1 win away to West Brom last time out, broke the deadlock in the 27th minute at Old Trafford with a stylish flick behind his legs from Nani's cross.
However, Stoke were level five minutes after half-time when Dean Whitehead scored their first goal at Old Trafford since 1980 after rising unmarked to head in Tuncay's cross. But just after the hour mark United, the only unbeaten side in English football's top flight this season, regained the lead thanks to Nani's sublime left-footed curler from 20 yards out.
Second-placed Manchester City will go level on points again with United, who presently have a game in hand, if they beat Arsenal on Wednesday. Victory for the Gunners, currently third, would see them leapfrog City and leave Arsenal two points behind United.
Fulham scored on the stroke of half-time when Simon Davies's long-range shot went through the hands of former England goalkeeper Scott Carson, who ought to have saved the strike. The hosts doubled their lead at Craven Cottage when United States midfielder Clint Dempsey headed in Davies's corner in the 56th minute.
And nine minutes later a Davies corner also led to Fulham's third goal, with Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland heading home on this occasion. Albion's fifth defeat in a row left them just two points above the relegation zone.
Birmingham left it it late against Blackpool, Scott Dann scoring their winner in the 89th minute when he he got on the end of Roger Johnson's nod-down from Jean Beausejour's centre.
Alexander Hleb opened the scoring for Birmingham in the 24th minute at Bloomfield Road after intercepting a pass out of defence by the Tangerines' Stephen Crainey before finishing calmly. Blackpool though were level when former Birmingham forward DJ Campbell volleyed home in the 68th minute.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Mourinho: I want to stop Barça domination (PA) Saturday 2 October 2010
Jose Mourinho believes he is the man to end Barcelona's domination of Spanish football, but has again warned Real Madrid's demanding fans he is not Harry Potter. The 47-year-old, who dubbed himself the 'special one' when he became Chelsea manager, took over at the Bernabeu this summer with the task of turning them back into Europe's top team.
Mourinho told Football Focus: "The supporters demand a lot, the press demand a lot. I work hard so I can do things. They think the coach is Harry Potter. I'm not Harry Potter."
"Success for me would be in the four years of my contract to make the tenth Champions League for the club and stop the Barça domination. I think I can find a way to stop them in our matches, but the problem is that the championship is not about two matches, it's about 38."
Asked if Real were the biggest club in the world, he said: "I think so, amazing club, you feel it in every moment. I used to say when we arrive in any airport in the world, or even in Spain, it looks like the Beatles arriving in San Francisco in the '60s."
When we arrive in any airport in the world, or even in Spain, it looks like the Beatles arriving in San Francisco in the '60s.
Jose Mourinho on Real Madrid
Mourinho would relish facing Chelsea in the final of the Champions League. "I would sign now," he stated. "Being in the final playing against Chelsea - or playing against Timbuktu Football Club - I would sign now."
"I keep an eye [on Chelsea] all the time, I've lots of friends there and that never changed. I've a great relationship with the club. Carlo [Ancelotti] is a great man, I also have a very good relationship with him. Chelsea has everything I like."
Mourinho also lauded former Manchester United stand-out Cristiano Ronaldo, who he now has at his disposal at Real. "Incredible potential," the former Porto coach said of the 25-year-old.
"Another one that has to feel the pressure, has to feel expectation because everyone thinks Ronaldo can dribble (past) ten players and score goals and make the difference every game. This is not easy pressure to cope with.
"Potential incredible, desire and commitment and professionalism top. Every word Sir Alex [Ferguson] told me about him is completely true - the boy is fantastic."fifa.com
Mourinho told Football Focus: "The supporters demand a lot, the press demand a lot. I work hard so I can do things. They think the coach is Harry Potter. I'm not Harry Potter."
"Success for me would be in the four years of my contract to make the tenth Champions League for the club and stop the Barça domination. I think I can find a way to stop them in our matches, but the problem is that the championship is not about two matches, it's about 38."
Asked if Real were the biggest club in the world, he said: "I think so, amazing club, you feel it in every moment. I used to say when we arrive in any airport in the world, or even in Spain, it looks like the Beatles arriving in San Francisco in the '60s."
When we arrive in any airport in the world, or even in Spain, it looks like the Beatles arriving in San Francisco in the '60s.
Jose Mourinho on Real Madrid
Mourinho would relish facing Chelsea in the final of the Champions League. "I would sign now," he stated. "Being in the final playing against Chelsea - or playing against Timbuktu Football Club - I would sign now."
"I keep an eye [on Chelsea] all the time, I've lots of friends there and that never changed. I've a great relationship with the club. Carlo [Ancelotti] is a great man, I also have a very good relationship with him. Chelsea has everything I like."
Mourinho also lauded former Manchester United stand-out Cristiano Ronaldo, who he now has at his disposal at Real. "Incredible potential," the former Porto coach said of the 25-year-old.
"Another one that has to feel the pressure, has to feel expectation because everyone thinks Ronaldo can dribble (past) ten players and score goals and make the difference every game. This is not easy pressure to cope with.
"Potential incredible, desire and commitment and professionalism top. Every word Sir Alex [Ferguson] told me about him is completely true - the boy is fantastic."fifa.com
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Taeguk Ladies strike Caribbean gold
Taeguk Ladies strike Caribbean gold
(FIFA.com) Sunday 26 September 2010
THE DAY REPLAYED – The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2010 came to a pulsating conclusion on Saturday as Korea Republic beat Japan 5-4 in a penalty shootout, the last act in a thrilling final packed with goals and drama. Tied at 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes in which the lead and the initiative changed hands continually, the two sides battled to a standstill in extra-time, with the South Koreans holding their nerve from the spot to win the country’s maiden FIFA title.
Earlier in the day Spain took the honours in the match for third place, securing a 1-0 win over defending champions Korea DPR. Dominant in the first half without finding any reward, Las Rojitas capitalised on a mistake in the North Korean defence to take the lead just after the restart and were indebted to goalkeeper Dolores Gallardo as they survived a late fightback by the gallant North Koreans.
Results
Spain 1-0 Korea DPR
Korea Republic 3-3 Japan (a.e.t - Korea Republic win 5-4 on pens)
Spain 1-0 Korea DPR
Korea Republic 3-3 Japan (a.e.t - Korea Republic win 5-4 on pens)
Goal of the day
Korea Republic 1-0 Japan, Lee Jung-Eun 6The opening goal of a nail-biting final came from fully 25 yards out, as Jung-Eun arrowed a powerful drive into the top right-hand corner of Eri Hirao’s net. That set the tone for the rest of the game, which yielded four more long-distance strikes. The South Korean midfielder proved less reliable from the spot later in the game however, missing her kick in the penalty shootout. Fortunately for Jung-Eun, here team-mates made amends.
Korea Republic 1-0 Japan, Lee Jung-Eun 6The opening goal of a nail-biting final came from fully 25 yards out, as Jung-Eun arrowed a powerful drive into the top right-hand corner of Eri Hirao’s net. That set the tone for the rest of the game, which yielded four more long-distance strikes. The South Korean midfielder proved less reliable from the spot later in the game however, missing her kick in the penalty shootout. Fortunately for Jung-Eun, here team-mates made amends.
Memorable moments
Anything you can do …
The match for third place was something of a private duel between the two keepers. Korea DPR custodian Choe Kyong-Im was the star of the show in the opening 45 minutes, pulling off a string of excellent stops to deny Spain the goal they deserved. The second half was all about her opposite number Dolores Gallardo, who saved her best till last, thwarting a late North Korean comeback with some magnificent stops in the final ten minutes.
Anything you can do …
The match for third place was something of a private duel between the two keepers. Korea DPR custodian Choe Kyong-Im was the star of the show in the opening 45 minutes, pulling off a string of excellent stops to deny Spain the goal they deserved. The second half was all about her opposite number Dolores Gallardo, who saved her best till last, thwarting a late North Korean comeback with some magnificent stops in the final ten minutes.
A touch of stardust
As if playing a FIFA World Cup final were not tense enough, the Korea Republic and Japan teams had another reason to be nervous as they lined up for the national anthems before kick-off. Waiting to greet them all was none other than David Beckham, an interested spectator at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
As if playing a FIFA World Cup final were not tense enough, the Korea Republic and Japan teams had another reason to be nervous as they lined up for the national anthems before kick-off. Waiting to greet them all was none other than David Beckham, an interested spectator at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
Shooting on sight
The final produced some spectacular long-range shooting, with all but one of the goals scored in normal time coming from shots from outside the box. While some whistled into the corners, others flew right over the heads of the two keepers, who endured an unusually testing evening.
The final produced some spectacular long-range shooting, with all but one of the goals scored in normal time coming from shots from outside the box. While some whistled into the corners, others flew right over the heads of the two keepers, who endured an unusually testing evening.
The stat
125 - The number of goals scored at Trinidad and Tobago 2010, 12 more than at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup New Zealand 2008. With 22 and 20 goals respectively, Germany and Japan boasted the most prolific attacks in the competition.
125 - The number of goals scored at Trinidad and Tobago 2010, 12 more than at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup New Zealand 2008. With 22 and 20 goals respectively, Germany and Japan boasted the most prolific attacks in the competition.
What they saidMy goal is a big one - I want to be the best women’s player in the world. I want Korea Republic to become a major force not just in Asia but in the world at senior level. I sensed that this dream was beginning to come true when we scored our winning penalty kick, and it made me cry." adidas Golden Ball and Golden Shoe winner Yeo Min Ji
Awards
adidas Golden Ball: Yeo Min-Ji (KOR)
adidas Silver Ball: Kumi Yokoyama (JPN)
adidas Bronze Ball: Kim Kum-Jong (PRK)
adidas Golden Ball: Yeo Min-Ji (KOR)
adidas Silver Ball: Kumi Yokoyama (JPN)
adidas Bronze Ball: Kim Kum-Jong (PRK)
adidas Golden Boot: Yeo Min-Ji (KOR)
adidas Silver Boot: Kyra Malinowski (GER)
adidas Bronze Boot: Kumi Yokoyama (JPN)
adidas Silver Boot: Kyra Malinowski (GER)
adidas Bronze Boot: Kumi Yokoyama (JPN)
adidas Golden Glove: Dolores Gallardo (ESP)
FIFA Fair Play Award: Germany
Friday, 3 September 2010
Monday, 12 July 2010
Print Email my friend Share RSS Add your comment 12345 Rating: 3.0 Blatter: Mandela’s dream realised (FIFA.com) Monday 12 July 2010
FIFA and the Local Organising Committee held a post-FIFA World Cup™ press conference at the Sandton Convention Centre which was attended by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup Chairman and FIFA vice-president Issa Hayatou, South Africa 2010 LOC Chairman Irvin Khoza, LOC CEO Danny Jordaan and FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke.
After a video displaying the iconic images of the 2010 FIFA World Cup set to an African beat was displayed on the giant screen, FIFA’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs a.i. Nicolas Maingot introduced the FIFA President who opened with words of welcome to the assembled media.
FIFA President Joseph S. BlatterOpening remarksIt is the day after Match 64 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was played for the first time on the African continent and specifically South Africa. I have to give a big compliment to South Africa, its people and its government, the latter especially for giving the guarantees needed to stage the FIFA World Cup and for meeting them. I have to thank the LOC, especially Irvin Khoza and Danny Jordaan, as well as all of its workers, volunteers, security staff, hospitality workers. They were great.
I also have to pay a big compliment to Africa. They proved that they could organise the FIFA World Cup and a massive competition. I said at the beginning of this competition that this was a question of trust. FIFA trusted South Africa and from this trust, people gained confidence and South Africans can be proud of what they have achieved. FIFA are satisified and as FIFA President I am more than satisfied. I am also satisfied that in Spain we had a winner who played good football.
I can only underline the comments made by the President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma yesterday, who said that this World Cup brought people together in a sense of unity and pride.
On the level of football
As a fan and a spectator, I thought we saw some good matches and some not so good matches, but it was always entertaining. We have to remember that in terms of football, perfection does not exist. But what we did learn from this World Cup was that there are no more small national teams. Football has developed everywhere and we’ve learned that internationalism has been good for some national teams and not so good for others. It was also good to see that three of the youngest teams: Ghana, Germany and Spain doing so well – it shows that our young players are making headway.
As a fan and a spectator, I thought we saw some good matches and some not so good matches, but it was always entertaining. We have to remember that in terms of football, perfection does not exist. But what we did learn from this World Cup was that there are no more small national teams. Football has developed everywhere and we’ve learned that internationalism has been good for some national teams and not so good for others. It was also good to see that three of the youngest teams: Ghana, Germany and Spain doing so well – it shows that our young players are making headway.
On the level of organisation
After the Confederations Cup, I gave South Africa a 7.5 out of 10, but now – after a successful Final Draw and this tournament – I would give a 9, which in a University would earn the highest honours.
After the Confederations Cup, I gave South Africa a 7.5 out of 10, but now – after a successful Final Draw and this tournament – I would give a 9, which in a University would earn the highest honours.
On the Final and the Final referee
Overall we saw an improvement in terms of Fair Play at this tournament, but the Final caused this level to drop slightly. The referee and his trio had a very hard task during this game and he was not helped. I always say that football is a school of life, based on discipline and respect. You learn to win, which is easy, but when you lose – you must lose with discipline and respect.
Overall we saw an improvement in terms of Fair Play at this tournament, but the Final caused this level to drop slightly. The referee and his trio had a very hard task during this game and he was not helped. I always say that football is a school of life, based on discipline and respect. You learn to win, which is easy, but when you lose – you must lose with discipline and respect.
Concluding remarks
This World Cup had a special momentum, linked with a history of freedom and the history of one man. This man is still living, at the age of 92 and this is a man who has suffered so much. But despite this, upon his release from prison, he spoke of peace and understanding. I met him for the first time in 1992 and he had a dream – to bring the World Cup to his country. The dream came true in May 2004 when South Africa were awarded the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He brought the World Cup to South Africa. He wanted to attend the tournament – and last night he fulfilled that ambition. So, I must pay a homage to the greatest living humanist – Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela.
This World Cup had a special momentum, linked with a history of freedom and the history of one man. This man is still living, at the age of 92 and this is a man who has suffered so much. But despite this, upon his release from prison, he spoke of peace and understanding. I met him for the first time in 1992 and he had a dream – to bring the World Cup to his country. The dream came true in May 2004 when South Africa were awarded the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He brought the World Cup to South Africa. He wanted to attend the tournament – and last night he fulfilled that ambition. So, I must pay a homage to the greatest living humanist – Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela.
FIFA vice-president Issa Hayatou
I was so impressed by the willingness of South Africans to show the world their nation, regardless of their social status. Everyone mobilized to make this event a great success, even when South Africa were knocked out of the tournament.
I was so impressed by the willingness of South Africans to show the world their nation, regardless of their social status. Everyone mobilized to make this event a great success, even when South Africa were knocked out of the tournament.
South Africa 2010 LOC Chairman Irvin Khoza
This tournament provided many great memories. One which stood out was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing at the Opening Match – and the last time I’d seen him dancing was back in 1994 during the first time he voted. But the crowning experience was ‘Madiba’s’ appearance in Soccer City. His struggle was not in vein. This World Cup has made a statement. South Africa has never been so united.
This tournament provided many great memories. One which stood out was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing at the Opening Match – and the last time I’d seen him dancing was back in 1994 during the first time he voted. But the crowning experience was ‘Madiba’s’ appearance in Soccer City. His struggle was not in vein. This World Cup has made a statement. South Africa has never been so united.
LOC CEO Danny Jordaan
The Opening Match was an incredible moment and gave me an incredible feeling. A dream came true on 11 June. I have to thank President Blatter for making the dream come true, as he showed great commitment, courage and vision to bring the FIFA World Cup to Africa. And in FIFA we found a synergy. We shared a common vision and they understood the heartbeat of our country.
The Opening Match was an incredible moment and gave me an incredible feeling. A dream came true on 11 June. I have to thank President Blatter for making the dream come true, as he showed great commitment, courage and vision to bring the FIFA World Cup to Africa. And in FIFA we found a synergy. We shared a common vision and they understood the heartbeat of our country.
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