A delegation from the Icelandic football association, consisting of President Geir Thorsteinsson and General Secretary Thorir Hakonarson, dropped in to see the FIFA President at the Home of FIFA on 10 March. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, Joseph S. Blatter – who was celebrating his 72nd birthday that day and was presented with Icelandic culinary specialities from Thorsteinsson to mark the occasion – discussed a range of football – related topics with his guests. Thorsteinsson has been working for the Icelandic football association since 1992. He took office as General Secretary in 1997 before being elected President last year. During his playing career, he featured in the KR Reykjavik FC youth team, before serving the club as a youth coach, General Secretary and vice-president. On top of this, he was also a highly – rated referee.

Hasan Dogan, elected President of the Turkish Football Association on 15 February 2008, visited the Home of FIFA on 19 March. Accompanied by FIFA Executive Committee member Senes Erzik, vice-presidents of the Turkish football association Lutfi Aribogan and Mahmut Ozgener, and General Secretary Metin Kazancioglu, he held discussions with FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, and FIFA Director of International Affairs, Jerome Champagne. Dogan was previously President of the Turkish association in 2004-2005, therefore his appointment marks a return to the world of football, which he admits has always been a part of his life. Dogan was elected largely with the support of 18 of Turkey’s elite clubs. In light of his appointment, the businessman, who has interests in the textiles, property, media and television sectors, plans to leave his business to one side in order to devote himself solely to football.

Youssou N’Dour is one of the world’s best-known musicians. In the course of a long and illustrious career, the Senegalese artist has picked up a Grammy, collaborated with household names such as Peter Gabriel and Wyclef Jean, and had a top-ten hit around the globe in 1994 with “7 Seconds”, his memorable duet with Swedish songstress Neneh Cherry. However, N’Dour’s prodigious energies are not entirely devoted to music. He is also actively involved in a number of social projects, teaming up with a host of fellow superstars from the world of music at the Live 8 concert, organising the Africa Live benefit concert in the fight against malaria, and appearing on behalf of the Your Voice Against Poverty campaign. Moreover, he also works alongside Amnesty International, the UN and UNICEF. N’Dour is also a familiar name to football fans. He collaborated with Axelle Red on “La Cour des Grands”, the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup France™. The talented musician was a guest at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on 25 March, where he met FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.