Capital Balls FIFA football balls

After celebrating his 65th birthday on 26 October 2007, according to Swiss law former FIFA Director of Stadiums and Security Walter Gagg is now regarded as a pensioner. But, for Gagg, retirement does not enter into the equation. He will now carrying on working on a part-time basis, as his work and input are still very much in demand, not least from FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, who sometimes asks him his opinion or seeks information from him on certain matters or takes him along on official trips. To celebrate Gagg’s special birthday, Blatter hosted a small reception. A former semi-professional footballer, Walter Gagg worked as an instructor for the Swiss football association (SFV) from 1959 to 1972 and as the Director of the SFV Technical Department from 1973 until 1982. Ever since 1 January 1983 – that is, nigh on 25 years – the well-known and popular football expert, who has built up a huge network of personal contacts to coaches, players and officials, has been a FIFA employee. Although he has worked as a director of several departments during that time, Gagg is mainly appreciated for being admired as a first-rate and outstanding ambassador of FIFA and football.

On 24 October 2007, the oldest football club in the world – Sheffield FC – celebrated its 150th anniversary, attended by FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter along with several other illustrious guests. After landing in England on 24 October, Blatter stopped off at 10 Downing Street in London for talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. During informal discussions with the British head of government, a number of topics were broached, including the new European Union Treaty, which, to the satisfaction of all sporting organisations and institutions concerned, including FIFA, now recognises the notion of the “special nature” of sport. “This is a major event and a determining one for the management of sport in general and especially football,” commented Blatter after the treaty had been signed. Brown pointed out that he wholeheartedly supported FIFA’s initiatives relating to the development and encouragement of young people through football as a result of the governing body’s manifold education programmes. “The British government seems interested in actively supporting our Football for Hope Movement, particularly in Africa,” remarked Blatter. “We are naturally delighted.”
After his meeting with Brown, Blatter then headed for Sheffield, where a thanksgiving service was held in honour of the oldest club in the world. At the dinner that followed, the FIFA President presented club representatives with a commemorative plaque. “We fee! it is about time that Sheffield and her club receive the attention they fully deserve,” said Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims. “It is fitting recognition for having played such a crucial role in developing a game which is enjoyed by millions of people around the globe.” Sheffield FC was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit in 2004.

On 9 September 2007, Nigeria won the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2007 in the South Korean capita!, Seoul. The brains behind this victory was coach Yemi Telia. Forty-one days later, on 20 October, Telia died of lung cancer in his homeland at the age of 56.
Although Telia had been to hospital for treatment as an out¬patient during the Eight Nations Tournament in Korea last June, he was soon able to return to work, ultimately guiding Nigeria’s U-17 team to second place at the event. During the U-17 World Cup, the coach’s condition deteriorated but he steadfastly persevered to the end of the tournament. However, Telia was noticeably subdued and introspective during the victory celebrations and after returning home, his health took a turn for the worse. He was readmitted to hospital in Lagos, where he sadly died soon after.
A teacher and trainer at the National Institute for Sport in Lagos, Telia had taken over the reins of the U-17 squad only a few months before the start of the World Cup in Korea. As he had previously specialised in training other coaches, up to that point he had had little experience coaching young players, but he soon proved that he was the right man for the job, leading the team to the African title before going one better and winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup a few months later. Telia was awarded the title, Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, from Nigerian President Umar Yar-Adua for his services to football. “There is no doubt that the legacy and foundation that he had laid down for Nigerian football will continue to prosper long into the future,” commented FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. “His wise and impassioned leadership leaves a life-long impression on all who knew him, thus endearing him within the hearts and minds of Nigerian football forever.”