DUSHANBE, April 2, Asia-Plus -- State and prospects of further expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) were discussed at a meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with visiting FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Dushanbe on March 30.

After the meeting with Emomali Rahmon, the FIFA head told journalists noted that football as any other kind of sports plays an important role in expansion of cooperation between peoples.  “”We were glad to hear from the head of state that Tajikistan will complete the construction of modern stadium with capacity of 25,000 seats, meeting all international standards, next year,” Blatter said.  

Blatter noted that over the next four year (2007-20010), FIFA will provide $1 million to Tajikistan to support development of sports in the country as well as further $400,000 for the construction of a new stadium with a synthetic grass field.  “We will support the coach training program, development of female football and we also intend to hold international competition in Tajikistan in July,” the FIFA president said.    

FIFA is the international governing body of football associations.  Its headquarters is in Zurich, Switzerland, and its current president is Sepp Blatter.  FIFA is responsible for the organization and governance of football''s major international tournaments, most notably the FIFA World Cup, held since 1930.