Tour starts in the Dominican Republic, followed by Haiti and Cuba, ahead of the XXVIII CONCACAF Ordinary Congress in Panama

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Monday, April 15, 2013) – FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President, Jeffrey Webb, is accompanying FIFA President Joseph Blatter and Secretary General Jérôme Valcke on a three-day Caribbean tour that started today in the Dominican Republic and includes visits to Haiti and Cuba. The tour is intended to inaugurate FIFA’s Goal Projects in the region and involves various other meetings prior to the XXVIII CONCACAF Ordinary Congress in Panama City on April 19.

“We are honored to have President Blatter and Secretary General Valcke for a week-long tour to see some of the advancements within the CONCACAF region,” said Webb during a press conference.  “At CONCACAF, we are following FIFA’s footprints by empowering the region through development.”

Led by the President of the Dominican Football Federation, Osiris Guzman, the delegation visited various Goal Projects including the ‘Joseph Blatter’ technical center, named in honor of FIFA’s President.  Additionally, they participated in the inauguration of the Pan-American football stadium, while also placing the first stone of the future futsal field.

“This stadium is an important legacy FIFA leaves for the development of football.  Likewise, it brings support to the federation who has done a fantastic job in the last few years,” said President Blatter.  “It brings me joy to see the enthusiasm for football I see in the Dominican youth. I believe you have fertile soil for the development of various leagues of different ages.”

The FIFA/CONCACAF delegation held a private audience with the President of the country, Danilo Medina Sanchez, where they exchanged ideas on the development of the sport alongside Sports Minister, Jaime Fernandez Mirabal, and the President of the Dominican Olympic Committee, Luisin Mejia. They were also greeted by the Swiss Embassy and were honored by a breakfast meeting with government officials, plus public and private sector authorities.

Photo: From left to right: FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke; CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb; FIFA President Joseph Blatter; and Danilo Medina Sanchez. President of the Dominican Republic; during an official visit to the Dominican Republic.

ABOUT CONCACAF

CONCACAF “The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football” is one of six continental confederations of FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and serves as the governing body of football in this part of the world. It is composed of 40 national associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Surinam and French Guyana in the south.