Greeting the guest, Islam Karimov noted that Joseph Blatter is renowned in Uzbekistan as a prominent public figure who has devoted himself to the development of world and national football. FIFA leader’s current third visit to Uzbekistan has coincided with the centenary celebration of Uzbek soccer this year.

At the meeting, the parties exchanged views on prospects of Uzbek football, consolidation and enrichment of Uzbekistan’s fruitful cooperation with this eminent international institution.

One of the effects of that interaction has been the implementation of “Goal”, “Goal-2” and “Goal-3” projects, in accordance with which a soccer pitch with artificial covering and a training base for junior national teams of Uzbekistan have been built in Tashkent, while an indoor mini-football gym is being erected in Samarkand. Uzbekistan is also interested in boosting cooperation with FIFA in promoting children’s and youth soccer as well as the national school of referees and coaches.

The FIFA chief thanked President Islam Karimov for a warm meeting and highly appraised the sporting successes of our country, including the remarkable performance of Uzbekistan’s athletes in the international arena.