FIFA to come out with age limit for player transfer

Vice President Mills receives Charlton

Accra (Greater Accra), 22^nd January 2000

Mr. Sepp Blatter, FIFA, President, said in Accra on Friday that his outfit would soon come out with an age limit to control young African players from being transferred abroad.

He said FIFA would also ensure that local clubs benefit from the onward transfer of such players.

Mr. Blatter, who was addressing a press conference, said the fight against player exodus is a world-wide problem but Africa's case is peculiar because in most cases the first clubs of the players do not benefit much, especially when they (Players) become world class stars.

He called for player-education particularly at the grassroots level and also to make the local leagues very attractive by seeking for sponsorship.

''By doing so, value is added to the players and this will also make the local leagues very interesting, he said.''

Mr. Blatter also touched on a variety of subjects, including professional refereeing which, he stressed, is very important for the beauty of the game.

He said in order not to destroy the human face of the game and thus "kill" its passion, the issue of good refereeing needs to be tackled by all.

Mr. Blatter said most African countries, have perceived that referees were against them winning the world cup, adding ''the rumour is quite sad but I would ensure that there is fairness in officiating.''

Mr. Blatter promised African countries, that would be participating in the 2002 world cup in Japan and Korea, of a better environment to brighten their chances of winning the cup.

On the issue of rotation, he said Europe, America and Asia have all had their chances to host the world cup and that it is now time for Africa's turn.

He said he would continue to drum the need for the World Cup to be rotated at FIFA next Executive Council meeting.

Mr Blatter also reiterated the need to harmonise the world soccer calendar for fewer matches to be played and to improve the quality of the game.

He said he would liaise with the CAF president, Issa Hayatou, so that in the near future the first five best teams in the Cup of Nations would automatically qualify for the world cup.

Blatter later signed a performance agreement with Africa's ambassador of the World Health Organisation, Abedi Ayew Pele, who has been assigned to campaign for the eradication of polio in Africa by the end of the year.

GRi

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Accra (Greater Accra), 22^nd January 2000

The Vice-President, Professor John Atta Mills, on Friday received England soccer legend, Sir Bobby Charlton, at the Castle, Osu, and tasked him, as well as other prominent footballers, to develop the sport in Sub-Saharan Africa, citing player transfer as one major headache that needed to be addressed.

"You should be able to help us streamline the rules to give proper care and protection to those players going out there. We must make sure that they have a good contract and are treated well, " Vice President Mills told Charlton who is in Ghana as head of England 2006 World Cup Committee, to solicit for Africa's four votes.

Prof. Mills conceded that the agents who work out these player transfers have also not been doing their homework well.

"It is their responsibility to ensure that the agreements are sealed on perfect conditions."

He expressed gratitude to the veteran player for showing interest in Ghanaian soccer and assured him that his efforts will make the sport grow from strength to strength.

Vice President Mills, an ardent sports fan, expressed the determination of Ghanaians to come out tops in the African Cup tournament being co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria from tomorrow Saturday, January 22 to February 13.

"Ghana is determined to win. We have done our best to rally behind the team, and it is now left to the players," he added.

Bobby Charlton said he was happy that Ghana is a co-host of the tournament and expressed his desire to be in the Nigerian commercial capital, Lagos for the finals, if Ghana gets there.

He expressed satisfaction with arrangements. "Anticipations are high for the game," he added.

Charlton also agreed with Prof. Mills that African players on transfer must be respected.

He presented a Manchester United jersey to Vice President Mills, a keen supporter of the English team.

Later in an interview, Charlton restated England's bid to host the 2006 World Cup saying, the country has all, if not more, what it takes to do it.

England, Brazil, South Africa, and Morocco are the other bidders to host the 2006 tournament.

FIFA would announce the host in July.

GRi

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