The 58th FIFA Congress, convening in Sydney, voted with a significant majority (155 yes, 5 no) in favour of a resolution on “6+5″. In his address to the Congress, the FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter had stressed: “We do not want to go against the existing laws. Regarding Europe, we want to use the legal basis of the Treaty of Lisbon, which acknowledges the specificity of sport and its structures and organisations, and comes into force on 1 January 2009. We want to go for dialogue, not confrontation.”
Before the vote, several speakers expressed their support for the objectives of “6+5″. Michel Platini, UEFA President, declared that “6+5 is considered illegal within the European Union. [But] UEFA totally shares the philosophy and objectives of 6+5. UEFA fully supports the resolution presented. We will do everything to help the FIFA President to defend the objectives presented today.”
Franz Beckenbauer, chairman of FIFA’s Football Committee, said: “We debated 6+5 within our Football Committee and every member was in favour of this idea. We need to find an arrangement with the European Union.” Theo van Seggelen, Secretary General of FIFPro, a body that unites 60,000 professional football players all around the world and not only in Europe, mentioned: “Before becoming professionals, players need good training. Clubs need to invest time and money in the education of players. Training is necessary. But playing is necessary too. The career of a professional player is only complete when he has played for his club for at least a couple of years, and we prefer it when it is with the club where he was trained. FIFPro calls upon the Presidents of FIFA and UEFA to continue to explore all possible means – within the limits of the law – to achieve the objectives of 6+5.”
The member associations of Australia, Guatemala and Saudi Arabia also spoke during the Congress and advocated “6+5″, confirming that the objectives it aims at reaching do not concern only Europe but other continents as well.
The FIFA Congress, at its meeting in Sydney on 29 and 30 May 2008, decided to fully support the objectives of “6+5″ as set out at the Congress, to request the Presidents of FIFA and UEFA to continue to explore for Europe, together with the world of sport – football’s protagonists, but also the international Olympic Committee and the international federations – all possible means within the limits of the law to ensure that these crucial sporting objectives be achieved, and to give the FIFA President the mandate to, if necessary, take similar steps on the other continents in cooperation with the relevant Confederation.
Background and information on “6+5″:
The foundations of football are harmony and balance between national team football and club football. The clubs’ loss of national identity is endangering the former and has led to increasing inequality among the latter, thereby widening the financial and sporting gap between the two, reducing the competitiveness of club competitions and increasing the predictability of their results. Safeguarding (i) the education and training of young players, (ii) training clubs, and (iii) the values of effort and motivation in football, particularly for young players, is a fundamental element of protecting national teams and restoring sporting and financial balance to club football. The universal development of football over the last century would not continue if there were increasing inequalities between continents, countries and protagonists in football.
Definition of “6+5″:
At the beginning of each match, each club must field at least 6 players who are eligible to play for the national team of the country of the club. However there is no restriction:
- on the number of non-eligible players under contract with the club, nor
- on substitutes to avoid non-sportive constraints on the coaches (potentially 3+8 at the end of the match).
Calendar of “6+5″:
The objective is to implement “6+5″ incrementally, starting at the beginning of the 2010-2011 season, in order to give clubs time to adjust their teams over a period of several years:
-4+7 for 2010/2011
-5+6 for 2011/2012
-and 6+5 for 2012/2013

The 58th FIFA Congress approved a resolution on “6+5″ in Sydney on 30 May and ratified version 3.0 of the World Anti-Doping Code. This was the first time world football’s governing body had ever convened in Australia.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter addressed the delegates in Sydney and voiced his concern over the issue of competitiveness in football. He said: “Unfortunately, there is a growing sporting and economic inequality in the global football family, especially among clubs. As a result, many clubs do not play to be champions, but to finish 4th, 5th, 6th or even not to be relegated. Something is wrong here. This does not match with the philosophy of our game. We need to try to correct this.”
Outlining FIFA’s mission to “Develop the game, touch the world, build a better future”, he also reasserted FIFA’s commitment to fight against “discrimination, racism, corruption, doping, illegal betting and violence”. With regard to FIFA’s Refereeing Assistance Programme (RAP), launched to develop refereeing all around the world, the FIFA President called for professional referees in professional leagues and for football to “keep a human face!”
The Congress then received an update on a number of strategic and sports political matters currently dealt with by FIFA such as club licensing and ownership, players’ agents, player transfers and betting activities.
The delegates also took a number of other decisions:
- The FIFA Congress approved the proposal of the Executive Committee to replace the Organising Committee for the FIFA Club World Cup with the Committee for Club Football, whose tasks will be to organise the FIFA Club World Cup and consider issues relating to the interests of club football worldwide.
- All other proposals regarding the eligibility to play for representative teams were also approved; this includes a new wording of art. 17 (d) of the Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes which now reads: “[...] he has lived continuously for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 on the territory of the relevant Association.” These proposals shall come into effect immediately.
Two hundred and one FIFA member associations attended the 58lh FIFA Congress (Afghanisran, Benin, Cape Verde Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Guinea and Trinidad & Tobago were absent). At the start of the proceedings, the FIFA Congress approved the agenda of the 2008 Congress, the minutes of the 2007 Congress in Zurich and the FIFA Activity Report.
The delegates approved the consolidated financial statements for 2007 (the full financial report is available on FIFA.com) as well as the revised budget overview 2007-2010 and the detailed budget for 2009.
ORDER OF MERIT
The opening ceremony of the 58th FIFA Congress took place at the world-famous Sydney Opera House on 29 May. More than 1,000 people, including representatives from FIFA’s member associations and the confederations, as well as many other officials, guests and observers joined FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, Australian Prime Minister the Honourable Kevin Rudd and Chairman of the Football Federation Australia (FFA) Frank Lowy AC at a colourful ceremony which put a special focus on the three pillars of FIFA’s mission to “Develop trie game, touch the world, build a better future”.
Joseph S. Blatter, who gave a special welcome to FIFAs Honorary President, Dr Joao Havelange, stated in his address to the audience: “I would like to thank Australia, the state of New South Wales, the city of Sydney and the population here for their warm and wonderful welcome. We are at the Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Who could ask for a better setting for our Congress? The development of football in Australia in recent years, with Chairman Frank Lowy and his team, has been remarkable. And I’m sure they will do more in the future.” The FIFA President continued: “With 260 million active participants and one billion people directly or indirectly touched by football, our game enjoys wonderful popularity worldwide. And therefore football has a huge responsibility. We must make sure that the evils of our world do not come into football. Football is hope, football brings emotions. Let’s build a better future.”
The Honourable Kevin Rudd, Australian Prime Minister, who was presented with the Presidential Medal by Blatter, welcomed all Congress participants: “Football is the most truly global sport of all,” he said. “Football brings people together from all corners of the world. Australia is a country of extraordinary ethnic and cultural diversity, which we are very proud of. It also is a country of immigrants. They brought a living passion for football. The Australian government fully supports Australia’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup.™ Australians love to be part of a global celebration. The 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney were an extraordinary event for us.”
Leading artists from Australia and an array of performers representing the regions of the world gave the event a cultural and festive touch. The stunning performances included a Welcome to Country in Aboriginal language and a spectacular finale featuring the Opera House Grand Organ and Orchestra under the baton of Tommy Tycho in a stirring rendition of the FIFA anthem.
The FIFA Order of Merit was awarded to His Excellency Alpha Oumar Konare, the former President of Mali and former Chairman of the Commission of the African Union, Paolo Maldini, Italy’s most-capped player of all time, Isaac David Sasso Sasso from Costa Rica, who served on the FIFA Executive Committee for 17 years, Nicolas Abumohor, the former President of the Chilean Football Association, Zhang Jilong, the Vice-President of the Chinese Football Association and the East Asian Football Federation, Mohammed Yusuf, Senior Vice-President of the Fiji Football Association, and Helen Petermann, Joseph S. Blatter’s right arm for more than 30 years.

Full name: Augustine Azuka Okocha
Nickname: Jay-Jay
Born: 14 August 1973 in Enugu (Nigeria)
Nationality: Nigerian
Position: Attacking midfielder
Height: 1.73m
Weight: 72kg
Clubs: Until 1990: Enugu Rangers. 1990-1992: Borussia Neunkirchen (Germany). 1992-1996: Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany). 1996-1998: Fenerbahce (Turkey). 1998-2002: Paris St-Germain (France). 2002-2006: Bolton Wanderers (England). 2006-2007: Qatar SC. Since September 2007: Hull City (England). Honours: Participation at the FIFA World Cup™ finals 1994, 1998 and 2002. Winner of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Olympic Football Tournament. 75 caps for Nigeria, 14 goals.
Miscellaneous: Married to Julia, two children (daughter Daniela, 10, and son AJ, 6).

“I have no regrets”
Nigerian Jay-Jay Okocha embarked on the final challenge of his career when he joined English Premier League side Hull City. One of the greatest footballers Africa has ever produced took a break from the club’s promotion challenge to reflect on his illustrious career. FIFA magazine: Many eyebrows were raised when you suddenly joined unfashionable Hull City in September 2007. So why the move?
Jay-Jay Okocha: I always ask God if it is his will, and if so, then let it be. Whatever comes out of it, I will accept. That’s the message I got and that’s why I’m here. It’s also a factor that all my career I’ve looked for new challenges. Hull have never played in the Premier League so this is as big as they come.
What was the response in Nigeria when you suddenly joined Hull from Qatar Sports Club?
Okocha: They’re glad I’m back in England. They weren’t happy that I went to Qatar because they didn’t have the opportunity to see me. For me the problem in Qatar was that they don’t get any crowds and there’s not the same atmosphere. That makes it boring and was one reason I decided to come back.
Will Hull be your final port of call?
Okocha: I’ve had a terrible season with injuries. I wouldn’t like to experience that again so I will decide in due course whether or not to continue. I have the option of another season at Hull but if I don’t feel right I won’t carry on because I’m not a greedy person and I don’t like people carrying me along.
If you do quit, how will you look back on your life in football?
Okocha: I’ve had a good career and have no regrets. Perhaps when I’ve stopped playing I can look back and think I could have done something better but to be honest I have to be pleased with my career.
What gives you most satisfaction on a personal level?
Okocha: The best thing has been making my mark like Tony Yeboah and George Weah did before. It’s not easy for Africans to adapt very quickly in Europe so that’s been my most significant achievement. Initially, I felt homesick, especially when winter approached, but what spurred me on was knowing my future was bright if I did well.
Has your European adventure helped you develop as a person as well as a footballer?
Okocha: Absolutely. The first time I experienced pure stress was at Paris St-Germain because they paid a lot for me. The pressure was unbelievable but it helped me mature because I started assuming more responsibility and enjoyed it. I also played with fantastic players such as Ronaldinho, Nicolas Anelka, Ali Benarbia, Mikel Arteta and Gabriel Heinze. Then Bolton manager Sam Allardyce convinced me to move to England. He made it clear I would face a new kind of challenge because beforehand I’d never played for a club fighting for survival. That situation brought the best out of me and we defied the odds to stay in the Premiership.
Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?
Okocha: Ronaldinho. When you learn how to play on the street and then you see someone who did likewise, you understand each other without even talking. It just becomes so natural on the pitch. I could see him think like me and vice versa.
How hard was it for Africans to carve out careers in Europe?
Okocha: It used to very tough to be successful in Europe because it was difficult for Africans to be trusted. Most managers did not believe we could take responsibility and play like true professionals in a disciplined way.
Was it due to xenophobic stereotyping?
Okocha: I would not go as far as to say it was racism, but these were people’s beliefs and the way they saw Africa. They saw our football as not being professional enough. Cameroon’s impact at Italia ’90 changed everyone’s perceptions. They helped a lot and made people in Europe sit up and take note of what was happening in Africa.
What’s the current situation like for aspiring Africans?
Okocha: It is easier now. Many who have prospered in Europe have taken their experience back home to change things for the better. We’re more professional, which makes it easier for players to make the leap and that makes me really happy. The future is looking very bright.
Bolton brought quite a few African players to the Premier League. Did you have anything to do with that?
Okocha: When I was at Bolton I talked with manager Sam Allardyce about the future. With the kind of budget we had, we couldn’t compete for expensive players, so I suggested that he look where I came from because there are hundreds of talented players there and they’re cheap. He followed it up and it went down very well.
Looking back, what are your first memories of football?
Okocha: As a kid in my hometown Enugu, I had freedom to express myself . without any expectation or pressure and just enjoyed playing the game I loved. I came from a football family and started playing as soon as I could walk. From then on, being a footballer was all I wanted to do. Like other kids in my neighbourhood, I idolised Pele. He was a hero and we always used to sing his name because of what he did at the World Cup.
Talking of the FIFA World Cup™, what does it mean to you?
Okocha: It really was a tremendous honour to be a member of the first Nigerian side to reach the finals. But I didn’t really appreciate the enormity of what we’d achieved the first time Nigeria qualified in 1994 because I was young and naive. I’d been really successful since school and success became a normal way of life. Then I realised how hard it was to qualify for the second one in 1998 and that qualification itself was a very big achievement.
What are your favourite FIFA World Cup™ memories?
Okocha: You can’t beat the overall atmosphere. It’s the best football tournament you can imagine. To have been part of it will live with me forever. It was incredible. Every game was special but playing against Diego Maradona and Ronaldo really stands out.
You must be glad the FIFA World Cup™ finals are coming to Africa in 2010.
Okocha: It’s great for the whole continent and I’m hoping an African nation will reach the final. It will be nice for people to see the other side of Africa because they usually see the bad side such as crime and poverty. This will give us an opportunity to show the world things are not really that bad. The best thing is the people, culture and mentality. We’re friendly, happy people – probably due to our weather – and we always like to welcome visitors. This will give us the ideal opportunity. I can’t wait.
Has the Africa Cup of Nations been kind to you?
Okocha: Winning it in 1994 was a great achievement. It was my first tournament and I thought I would go on to win it four or five times but it turned out to be my only success. It was special. It was the first time we won it away from home, which was great, and we enjoyed an unbelievable reception when we returned from Tunisia.
What do you make of Nigeria’s current fortunes?
Okocha: It’s a pity we’ve not lived up to expectations but we keep making the same mistake. We should be honest with ourselves and realise talent is not enough to succeed. You need to put the right people in charge, people who understand football, are hungry for success and can bring out the best in those talents. Until we improve our backroom work, we’ll stay at the same level.
Was appointing Berti Vogts as Nigeria’s manager a mistake?
Okocha: You cannot bring in someone who knows nothing about the place he is going to or the kind of people he will be working with. They gave him the wrong impression of the players, telling him they were ill-disciplined. He then tried to discipline them although they were already at top European clubs. Maybe the people that employed him have complexes about certain players. Perhaps they don’t know how to talk to them because the players have grown more than they have, and so they try to impress that issue upon the manager. Vogts became a schoolteacher instead of a manager and the players looked like schoolchildren, which will never work. If you respect them, they’ll do anything for you. At the Africa Cup of Nations, I didn’t see players fighting for the shirt, a cause or a reason. Something was holding them back.
Would you consider going into management when you retire from playing?
Okocha: No way. I want to do something that allows me to be with my family and to be a father. I’m also put off by the pressure. I’ve been under pressure my entire career and want to do something different. But I would love to give something back to football, so I’m thinking of being a scout, in order to find the talents that are out there and ensure that they don’t go to waste. That’s the way I think I can change lives. I have set up a football academy in Nigeria. It’s important for me to help kids fulfil their potential because back home we still lack organisation in terms of youth programmes. I can give something back by helping kids mature earlier.