SYDNEY – More than1500 delegates, visitors and members of the international media are in Australia for the ‘world parliament’ of football – the 58th FIFA Congress – commencing today in Sydney.
Taking up 5300 hotel rooms, the FIFA Congress brings together the decision makers of world football from 208 member nations, representing more member countries than the United Nations.
"This is a chance to meet all the FIFA members in our own backyard," Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said.
During the official two day conference delegates will consider changes to regulations for the sport including the introduction of a ‘6+5’ rule aimed at ensuring all domestic leagues have a minimum of six players eligible for the national team of the country of the league.
The Sydney Opera House will be centre stage for the Congress on Thursday night when the event kicks off with an Opening Ceremony which features FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, FFA Chairman Frank Lowy AC and a diverse gathering of international delegates.
The Opening Ceremony will be a blend of vision packages and live performances promoting FIFA’s three pillars: ‘Develop the Game’, ‘Touch the World’ and ‘Build a Better Future’.
Internationally renowned Creative Producer Greg Bowman, Managing and Creative Director of Great Big Events, leads the Great Big Events team responsible for delivering the Opening Ceremony.
James Morrison will headline the Opening Ceremony, accompanied by William Barton on Didgeridoo and a group of professional Indigenous dancers and didgeridoo players will perform a uniquely Australian piece designed by Jasmine Gulash.
Award winning composer Michael Askill has composed an eclectic percussion piece to mark a journey through the six confederations of FIFA’s member nations. A unique group of talented Australian percussionists, dancers and young football tricksters will perform as part of the ‘World Music Suite’, which promotes the rich cultural diversity of football around the world.
Music Coordinator Ken Laing, assisted by conductor Tommy Tycho, will manage the Sydney International Orchestra, accompanied by organist Warwick Dunham, during the finale.
A purpose built stage including a 16.5 x 3.5m LED screen is one of the largest sets to have been used in the Concert Hall and has taken three days to construct.
Following the Opening Ceremony, 1,000 FIFA delegates and invited guests will sit down to dinner in a specially constructed marquee on the forecourt of the Opera House.
FFA is hosting the 58th FIFA Congress and is responsible for the immense logistical exercise of staging the largest off-field event for the world game on behalf of FIFA which fully funds the Congress.
Buckley is confident FIFA will enjoy the opportunity to experience Australian hospitality and see the growing enthusiasm for football in Australia first hand.
"Hopefully, they will walk away from the Congress with a positive feeling about Sydney and Australia and where the game has got to over the past few years – as well as where the game is going.”
Story courtesy Football Federation Australia (FFA) Media