FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter
On the FIFA Club World CupMorocco2013…
This first FIFA Club World Cup on African soil has been a successful tournament
for several reasons. All the matches have been well attended and the fans have
made for a wonderful atmosphere. The quality of the worldwide TV coverage has
also been excellent, which has helped send a positive image of the FIFA Club
World Cup andMoroccoaround
the world. My thanks go to everyone involved in the organisation of the
tournament. Your outstanding work leaves a legacy for the future.
On goal-line technology and vanishing spray…
These are two new innovations and we’ve received positive feedback from teams,
players and referees. Everyone has been convinced by the tools and we’re
similarly impressed. Goal-line technology and vanishing spray will be used at
the FIFA World Cup inBrazilnext
year.
OnRaja Casablanca’s surprise progress to the final…
Congratulations toRaja Casablanca, who have put in some great
performances so far. They struggled againstAuckland City FCin
the opening match and won thanks to a goal in added time. That game could well
have gone either way, but since then they have continued to improve and now they
deserve to be in the final. They’ve captured the interest of the public and
we’ll have to see what happens in the final. Anything is possible – that’s the
great thing about football. Raja will be representingMoroccoand
the whole of Africa. It’s sure to be a unique atmosphere in the stadium and I’m
really looking forward to the final.
On the worldwide interest in the FIFA Club World Cup…
There could me more interest in Europe, although the viewing figures inGermanyfor
Bayern Munchen’s semi-final were considerable. We’ve seen some great football
and breathtaking scenery here inMorocco. Hopefully the quality will help bring the
tournament even more attention in future.
Mohamed Raouraoua, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the
FIFA Club World Cup
On the FIFA Club World CupMorocco2013…
On behalf of the Organising Committee I would like to thank His Royal Highness,
the government, the LOC and the Moroccan people. All the events surrounding
this FIFA Club World Cup have been a success. We’ve had full stadiums and good
viewing figures, as well as huge worldwide media interest. The quality the
football has been exceptional and there have been more than three goals a game
on average. All the drug tests prior to the tournament came up negative. We’re
very pleased with the results and are already working hard to make sure the
2014 tournament here inMoroccois
every bit as successful.
Event Director Karim Alem
On the FIFA Club World CupMorocco2013…
The matches have been well attended from the start. On the second matchday in
Agadir we were 85 per cent full and for the two semi-finals it was 82 per cent.
For the final we’ve already sold 86 per cent of tickets and there are still
some available. The media coverage has also been pleasing so far. The global
television broadcasts have helped us send a positive image ofMoroccoaround
the world. I thank FIFA for their support. The hard work we put in ensured we
fulfilled all the requirements. This tournament has been a great success so far
and we’ll carry on working hand-in-hand to ensure the final is a fitting
celebration of football.
FIFASecretaryGeneral Jérôme Valcke
On the FIFA Club World Cups
2015 – 2018…
The application process will begin in February 2014 and we’ll probably decide
on the hosts for the next four FIFA Club World Cups in September 2014. We might
go back to Japan or China, but other countries, including some from the Middle
East, have also registered an interest in hosting the tournament.
Source: FIFA.COM
Somali Football Federation Media Department
Email:somalifootballmedia@gmail.com