"We know you not only in the capacity of the President of FIFA, but also as a distinguished figure who has made a weighty contribution to the development of national and international football"Â, said Islam Karimov. The need for a single body to oversee football worldwide emerged early last century. The increase in the number of football competitions and in the popularity of this sport spawned on May 21, 1904 in Paris the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA, French for International Federation of Association Football). In 1930, in Uruguay, the Organization organized the first football world championship. The world football championships have been held once every four years ever since (except during World War II).
FIFA highly appreciates Uzbekistan's sporting successes, in particular, in football. During the years of independence Uzbek football has made considerable headway and has, thus, risen to a new level. At the initiative of President Islam Karimov, the development of football has become one of the top directions of the state policy, which is clearly evidenced by the adoption and successive implementation by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan of the resolutions "On measures to drastically improve the organization and principles of the development of football in Uzbekistan"Â (of January 17, 1996) and "On measures to stimulate the development of football"Â (of March 13, 1996). Thus, more attention has been given to the development of this sport in the Republic's provinces, cities and towns. The Government has been doing well in creating conditions for young people, especially children, to engage in this sport. Notably, the care and attention given to football in Uzbekistan is yielding positive results. The Republic's football teams have clinched prizes in international tournaments, which can be exemplified by the victory of Uzbek football players in Japan's Asian Games in 1994.
An important factor in the further development of football in Uzbekistan has come from the Presidential Resolution of May 1, 2006 "On additional measures to develop football in Uzbekistan"Â. The concern shown by the President of Uzbekistan is reflected by the up-to-date sport complexes constructed in the Republic's cities and villages. Indubitably, the attention of this kind is based on the noble goal of upbringing a healthy generation.
Joseph Blatter's previous visit to Uzbekistan was in 2004. In his current visit, he is being accompanied by the President of the Asian Football Confederation Mohammed bin Hammam. During their stay in the Republic, a new building of Uzbekistan Football Federation and a new stadium have been put into use. The President of Uzbekistan presented Joseph Blatter with "Dustlik"Â (Friendship) Medal, and Mohammed bin Hamman - with "Shukhrat"Â (Courage) Medal for their contributions to the development of football and expansion of international cooperation in Uzbekistan. The guests expressed their gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan for the attention they have been given.
The meeting in the Oqsaroy Residence embraced an exchange of opinions on the issues related to the further cooperation of Uzbekistan Football Federation with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
