Mandela wows Fifa
29 October 2003
Many famous people have passed through the doors of Fifa's Zurich headquarters, but few have stirred as much interest as Nelson Mandela.
South Africa's former president was presented with Fifa's Order of Merit on Friday in recognition of his service to the game.
Mandela - who was on a European tour to promote the work of the Mandela Foundation - received a standing ovation from members of Fifa's administration when he was welcomed by Blatter at the headquarters of world football's governing body in Zurich.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter receives a gift from Nelson Mandela. (Photo: Fifa)
Blatter, in presenting the award to Mandela, said: "It is a historic occasion for us to welcome to Fifa House a living legend of democracy and anti-discrimination, our
dear friend Nelson Mandela. We have known each other for more than 10 years and have more than just football in common, such as our work for the good of the world's young people."
During a private meeting followed by a media conference and lunch, Blatter and Mandela discussed a number of issues, including the 2010 Football World Cup.
South Africa is one of the five countries bidding to host Fifa's 32-nation event, to be staged in Africa for the first time in the body's history. The other bidding countries are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Morocco. The decision on the country to host the event will be made in May 2004.
Asked by journalists what it would mean if the event were to be awarded to South Africa, Mandela replied: "It would mean a great deal for us as we have been wanting it for so long. Any international match or event creates awareness and lifts the spirit of people."
Referring to his country's hosting of the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he added: "That
event united black and white people."
Asked what his favourite sport was, Mandela replied: "If I say I like soccer, I antagonise cricketers or rugby players, so you don't expect me to answer that when I'm over a hundred years old. Sport shows how people from very humble background can rise to become great. This is what we want in life."
Mandela praised Blatter for his stance against apartheid in the late '80s and early '90s. "As Fifa general secretary, together with then President Joćo Havelange, Mr Blatter defended sterling principles and raised his strong voice against racism at a time when many were still hesitant.
"We are in your debt for the role you have played to uphold democratic principles in South Africa and Africa as a whole. Thank you for making Africa a cornerstone of Fifa's activities."
SouthAfrica.info reporter
| 
