“This is the first time all 209 member associations have taken part in a congress” expressed his satisfaction the FIFA president Joseph Sepp Blatter.
The opening day was on Tuesday 10th June 2014, 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 11th June – the business of FIFA congress started with the official welcome address by the FIFA President Sapp 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. FIFA President 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 normal 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 as new President last year.
In an interesting move at the FIFA congress, Sri Lanka Football was recognized by providing FFSL president Ranjith 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. Ranjith Rodrigo expressed his gratitude for FIFA President and FIFA officials for the great service rendered for the beautiful game of football in his speech. Ranjith Rodrigo has earned a good name among the international football community in a very short period for his enthusiasm and for his hard work to develop the game in Sri Lanka. He was also appointed in FIFA and AFC committees to serve the game. He has also secured USD 1 million financial support from FIFA to develop the Pedris Park grounds with an artificial turf.
FIFA presidents said that his terms end by 29th of May 2015 but, said that his mission has not finished yet. As such he said he is ready to lead this fantastic organisation for another term and the congress to decide who to lead FIFA from next year. It is strongly believed that President Blatter’s candidacy will be very strong as most of the member associations support him. FFSL President Ranjith Rodrigo, General Secretary Upali Hewage and Treasurer – Jawsi are now in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the congress and will attend the opening ceremony and the curtain raiser match between Brazil and Croatia on the 12th June 2014.
Football World Cup will continue for the next one month till July 13 , 2014 in Brazil. (HC/SI)
