FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter, extols Ghana’s provision of infrastructure for the development of the game and is pleased with the facilities put in place for the hosting of the 26th edition of the African Cup of Nations.
Ghana, has built two new stadia and completely remodeled two existing ones as well making available training pitches of international standard in four major towns for the three-week tournament that involves 16 participating nations.
The President of the World soccer governing body made these observations after showing up at the offices of Ghana President, J.A. Kufour at the seat of government, the Castle in the capital, Accra on Thursday.
Also part of the delegation at the President’s offices were CAF President Issa Hayatou, Michel Platini, who is the President of UEFA, Ghana Football Association President, Kwesi Nyantakyi and General Secretary of the FA, Kofi Nsiah.
Blatter recognized the continent’s great contribution to the game by way of football talents and said one day in history, Africa would be rewarded.
He again made reference to the World Cup Tournament to be hosted in South Africa, two years away and said they would make sure that it would indeed be “an African World Cup.”
President Kufuor said Ghana was encouraged by its selection to host CAN and thus the need to work around the clock to put Africa on the soccer world map.
“We felt challenged to prove that we could do it; the acknowledgement by FIFA and the others should make every Ghanaian feel proud.”
He observed that football was such a powerful tool for drawing people together and bonding them in friendship that, “we should all cherish it.”
The modern facilities put in place by the Government should provide an opportunity for the youth in the country to become an important part of the global game, he said.
UEFA President, Michel Platini said his team’s presence in Ghana is to reinforce the friendship between Africa and Europe.
He described Africa as “a great Continent of football” and added, “Thank you for the great players.”
Issa Hayatou, President of CAF expressed satisfaction with the work done by Ghana and stated that the country was ready to host a successful tournament.