MICHAEL PLATINI TO PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OF ARMENIAN FOOTBALL
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Aug 4 2006
YEREVAN, August 4. /ARKA/. Michael Platini, vice-president of the
French Football Federation, member of the executive committees of the
FIFA and UEFA, will do its utmost to promote the development of the
Armenian football, Platini stated during his meeting with Armenian
Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan.
The press service and public relations department of the Armenian
government reported that Platini thanked the Armenian government
for the practical support to the Armenian Football Federation, that
without its support and investments it will be very difficult to
develop the football in the country.
Platini pointed out that visiting in Armenia for the first time,
he is infinitely impressed with the attitude of Armenians towards
football. "When small football fields were being opened, we noticed
how much energy and love children have towards football, and how eager
they are for sports. It is promising," Platini said and mentioned
the footballers of Armenian descent who made a contribution to the
development of the French football.
In his turn, Margaryan pointed out that he attaches much importance to
Platini’s visit, especially now, when Armenia is going to celebrate the
days of Armenia in France on a large scale. Margaryan pointed out the
big contribution of the legendary footballer to the development of the
Armenian football, particularly his assistance with the implementation
of useful initiatives for the Armenian football.
Margaryan emphasized such investment programs on football development
in Armenia as Goal FIFA, Het Trick UEFA, and also the program of
Small Football Fields.
According to him, these are the first large-scale projects. At the
present time about 15 sports fields are opened, and soon their number
will reach 40. On the whole, the prime minister welcomed such decisions
of the FIFA and UEFA, which will contribute to the development of
football in developing countries. R.O. –0–