First in the world to bag Fifa pilot project
His Majesty the King, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, awarded yesterday FIFA President Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter the Bahrain First Class Medal in recognition of his influential role in improving relations between Fifa and the Bahrain Football Association (BFA).
King Hamad received Blatter and Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed bin Hammam at Sakhir Palace yesterday.
In another development, Bahrain was selected as the first country for a pilot project by Fifa to promote football in the Kingdom.
This was announced by Blatter at the official opening of the new residential building and training centre adjacent to the BFA headquarters in Riffa. Speaking to the Tribune, Dr Hassan of the BFA said this would mean extra financial and HR support from FIFA.
Specialists would come to Bahrain to ensure that the new facilities were functioning as planned, he added.
He expressed hope that this plan would eventually result in the first football academy facility for youth players.
© Bahrain Tribune 2008
