JEDDAH, 30 April 2006 — Taking advantage of the publicity surrounding the arrival of the FIFA World Cup trophy in Riyadh yesterday, part of its pre-Cup world tour, the Saudi Football Federation (SFF) held a press conference to discuss the importance of hosting the World Cup here.
The World Cup trophy ended its tour yesterday with a public display ahead of this year’s finals in Germany.
The SFF members discussed the team’s previous performances. Saudi Arabia have qualified for their fourth consecutive World Cup, but are still haunted by a dismal performance in 2002 when they failed to win a game and lost 8-0 to Germany.
They also reviewed the preparations of the national team in order to present the Kingdom with better results.
The SFF also discussed on the country’s copyrights to air matches on TV.
Abdullah Al-Dabel, president of the Higher Preparation Committee and president of the Secretary Committee, emphasized the importance of hosting the World Cup during its tour to 23 countries, here in Riyadh.
“It is considered a big event that all the participating nations look forward to host the World Cup as it is the most historical event known in the sporting history,” Al-Dabel said.
Immanuel Maradas, a member of English Football Federation, also expressed his gratitude to Prince Sultan ibn Fahd, president of the General Presidency of Youth Welfare and the Saudi Football Federation, for his effort in encouraging local sports as well as their hospitability to the guests.
German Ambassador Gerhard Enver Schrombgens advised Saudi football fans that are planning to attend the World Cup matches in Germany to process their visas in advance as it take about 10 days to secure one.
At the end of the meeting, souvenirs were exchanged between the German ambassador and Prince Sultan.
The cup, which weighs around five kilograms, is about 36 cms high and is made of solid 18-karat gold, was designed by Italian Silvio Gazzaniga and awarded for the first time at the 1974 finals. The original Jules Rimet trophy was won by Brazil when they became world champions for the third time in 1970.
The cup will now tour German cities that are hosting the 2006 World Cup before the monthlong tournament kicks off on June 9, said Alex Koch, head of Marketing Department of FIFA.
Meanwhile, yesterday the Saudi national football team arrived in Tehran to participate at the Annual Friendship International Tournament, which Iran hosts every year.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Iran Osamah Al-Sinousi and Iranian Football Federation members welcomed the team.
Eight teams are taking part in this annual event that will start in the middle of this week.
