Joseph S Blatter Arrives

Following a number of preliminary meetings, the FIFA Congress officially commences in Sydney, Australia tonight.

The 58th FIFA Congress will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House to be attended by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and international delegates from FIFA’s 208 member federations.

"This is a chance to meet all the FIFA members in our own backyard," Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said.

During the official two day conference delegates will consider a number of changes to regulations including the introduction of a ‘6+5’ rule aimed at ensuring all domestic leagues have a minimum of six players eligible for the national team of the country of the league.

The Opening Ceremony will be a blend of vision packages and live performances promoting FIFA’s three pillars: ‘Develop the Game’, ‘Touch the World’ and ‘Build a Better Future’.

A purpose built stage including a 16.5 x 3.5m LED screen is one of the largest sets to have been used in the Concert Hall and has taken three days to construct.

Buckley is confident FIFA will enjoy the opportunity to experience Australian hospitality and see the growing enthusiasm for football in Australia first hand.

"Hopefully, they will walk away from the Congress with a positive feeling about Sydney and Australia and where the game has got to over the past few years – as well as where the game is going.”
Asian Football Central