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Mr. Joseph Blatter the chief of world soccer governing body (FIFA) and President of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Mr. Mohamed Bin Hammam arrived in Sri Lanka on a short tour.

This is their second tour of the island. Mr. Blatter and Mr. Hammam on their visit are scheduled to have a look at the tsunami affected areas to assess the work done from the funds donated by the FIFA and the AFC towards the football family to develop the sport in these areas.

They will attend a ceremony to lay the foundation for a Club House at Kalutara U. Vernon Fernando Stadium and later at the Kalutara Beach to set up a Beach Football Club House on the same day.

The delegates also will distribute the contract agreements to eighteen Football Leagues to have their own premises. These eighteen include leagues from all parts of the country. FIFA have agreed to increase the grant by further 50 million making the total to Rs. 300 million. This grant will help league to function smoothly which is a boost to develop the game of soccer in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Blatter's FIFA Presidency has brought Sri Lanka many fruitful happenings. First it was Football House which came under the goal project. This project is a brainchild of FIFA President soon after his election to the top post. This project was introduced to developing countries with a view to improving the game in these countries.
Mr. Blatter personally attended the opening ceremony of the Football House in 2001. On this visit he donated the second grant to Sri Lanka Football to set up the Training Centre at Baddagana, Kotte. This include all modern facilities necessary for a training centre. His second visit to island will see more grants for the development of the game here.

Sixty year old Swiss national Mr. Joseph Blatter a graduated in Business Administration and Economics and speaks German and four other languages which is an asset for his position. He has been involved in soccer since the age of 12 years. Before soccer governing body he has proved his management skills by engaging in soccer administration in his country in addition to being a IOC member since 1999.

For his untiring efforts towards the sports and other meaningful programs towards the betterment of the society he has received many awards from many countries.

Mr. Blatter served as Secretary to FIFA before being elected as President in 1998. Since his induction he has introduced various projects for the development of soccer in developing countries. The main projects being the goal project and the Com-Unity Programme. His visit here definitely a boost for Lankan soccer.

Asian Football Confederation President Mr. Mohamed Bin Hammam is also a man with a long vision for soccer in the Asian Region. A very active man who is very keen in seeing that all Asian nations get the equal opportunity towards their progress. Born in Qatar he has used all his good offices to develop the game in his country. His efforts have helped Qatar to claim honors in the asian region. He was also instrumental in seeing his country's U-17 and U-20 teams qualify for FIFA tournaments.

Mr. Hammam a man filled with high qualities has reached the top positions in football arena in the region. His leadership will definitely bring the region to be on par with other nations in the very near future. Before taking over Asia's top spot he has held many leading positions. At present he is an Ex co-Member, FIFA, Chairman Goal Project, Chairman Technical Com. FIFA and Member of Finance Com. FIFA.