Blatter vows to help BFF academy
Dhaka, March 6: Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president assured to help Bangladesh Football Federation in the construction process of the football academy at Sylhet. The FIFA supremo provided the assurance in the press briefing at the BFF House on Tuesday.
The FIFA president also inaugurated the artificial turf at the adjacent “Balu Math” and unveiled the replica of the proposed football academy.
Here are the full version of FIFA presidents expressions.
“It’s a great day for not only for you but also for Fifa, it’s a great day for Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF). Fifa is an institution of 208 national associations and Fifa is happy and we are here today with three members of the executive committee AFC President Zhang Zilong and executive member Maniral Fernando are with me here”.
“It’s a tribute to you; you also pay tribute to the international football. The way we have been received in Bangladesh and the historical exhibition of pictures of your football, it’s tremendous. I comment the initiative of the sports journalists’ organization. Just in bracket, I was also a sports journalist and still a member of AIPS”.
“I would also like to comment Bangladesh Football Federation and its famous president Mohammad Kazi Salahuddin. I also like to thank the government her Excellency prime minister Sheikh Hasina, we also have an opportunity to meet Sheikh Hasina”.
“So ladies and gentlemen, not that only little good piece that we stand behind, the construction of football academy and the Fifa goes for the football academy and the football house and this is the future of the youths of the this country. Because there are 160 million people and I’m sure Bangladesh have the right talent to play the game and you will play this well. If you look at the qualification of the world cup you are on the right track as you beat Lebanon who have qualified for the second round. So you are practically up. Now for you its may be next time. Football is hope, go on go on. Football is emotion, passion and football is entertainment”.
“I also congratulate you that what are you doing in women’s football it’s the right thing that women and girls have right play the game. Don’t forget football is a natural game and we have to open the boundaries and we have to invite everybody. The slogan “Football For All” and “All for football” is not only a slogan it must be applied”.
“I would like to express thanks and gratitude on behalf of Fifa executive committee for your outstanding reception. What we can do for you is with our menpower, with finances but finally you have to do your job. The Holy book says, help yourselves and the heaven will help you. So therefore, we can pray but we have to work”.
“Fifa will take care of the associations like yours not always in a comfortable situation but so many initiatives and Fifa share the initiatives around the world. The associations like yours who are working a lot I’ll say we will help a little bit more . Football is a school of life based on discipline and respect. And if we can bring and fare play in the society, then football is an actually more than a game. I trust you, I trust the people, I trust the people of Bangladesh and I trust football”.
"The question and answer session*
Q: How will Fifa help women’s football in Bangladesh?
A: Women’s football needs special attention through Fifa and we have recognized women’s football of Bangladesh. We have nominated Mahfuza Akter Kiron as a member of the organization committee of U-20 World Cup in Japan. Any specific initiatives taken by Bangladesh Football Federation I personally as the Fifa President will commit myself to help it.
Q: Does this sub-continant has any chance to co-host the World Cup?
A: Bangladesh still is not fit to host the World Cup. But I’m happy that you are looking to the future. They should develop three and more stadiums and should look forward on hosting U-17, U-18 and U-20 world cup. 2018, 2022 world cups are attributed. If you have four international stadiums, it will be easier for you to host U-17 and U-19 World Cup.
Q: about the television rights
A: there are lot of football in the television allows Fifa to practically the only resource to earn in the world cup and Fifa earns it through the television rights. So it is link with the television coverage. And the televised matches especially in the big wigs and I know your football is affected by the presence of the European leagues. We are aware of the intribution but how can we react. We can help to develop your own football and develop your good football. And this regard, we have nominated your BFF President Salahuddin in the Fifa’s marketing committee and it’s one of the most famous and biggest committee in Fifa. Not only we can depend on the interest of Bangladesh but also on the rights of everybody.
Q: popularity of football is decreasing in Bangladesh, how can Fifa help about it?
A: I’m not sure popularity of football is decreasing in this country. You are in a special situation in this country where cricket is taking the biggest part. I’m not against cricket as it is also a sports. But the Football federation can play an important role to bring sponsor and other stake holders and play a better role not only on the field. And I also believe your government and prime minister are in favour of football as she recognize the educational value of the game. Bangladesh football is not that bad perhaps you are missing the big stars and you also need a little bit of luck.
Q: How is Fifa going to assist the proposed Bangladesh football academy?
A: Sylhet BKSP will be a goal football project. And it is a soft project where we will support talents of Bangladesh around 40-50 boys. We have started the process already and they will be out in sylhet and will be trained there with fully professional condition. And they will be considered in forming a youth team of football in Bangladesh.
As per the policies of Fifa, we will provide best support financially and technically and we will make sure of it’s succeed. In the near future, you will have a good youth football team they will mark their presence in the asian level and Fifa will extend great support to Bangladesh football. To begin with we have a three-year plan and in 2014, we will revisit and decide the next course of action.