At the beginning I would like to express my pleasure and the pleasure of the people of Qatar that our capital Doha is the venue of this meeting, and that we are privileged to host this gathering of the international football family. As I formally open this meeting, I would like to convey to you the greetings of His Highness the Amir and his wishes of success and good luck.

      May I take this opportunity to point out that our interest here in Qatar in Football originates from our full conviction that sports represent one of the optimal means for the promotion and advancement of man who is considered the pillar and foundation of any progress both on the national and international levels. However, for us football is at the forefront and is our most popular sport. Here I have to commend the great and excellent efforts which have been exerted and still being exerted by this respectable Federation the FIFA all along its history of 100 years in the field of this sport, which left the greatest impact on the continuous and steady progress and development of football globally.

      Finally I wish all success to your meeting, and a pleasant stay in our country for you and all our guests and participants.

May the peace and blessings of God be upon you.