FIFA President Thanks Azerbaijan’s President for Hosting Inaugural U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku
Baku, The Gulf Observer: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for hosting the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, highlighting the event’s role in bringing together young football talents from around the world.
In a post on his Instagram account, Infantino described the opening ceremony in Baku as a historic day and a fantastic event.
He thanked President Aliyev, Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, the Azerbaijani government, officials of the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA), led by its President Rovshan Najaf, FIFA colleagues and everyone involved in organising the competition.
Infantino said the tournament provided an opportunity for young talents to participate in their first FIFA World Cup event and create lasting memories. He noted that the initiative brought together young people from 189 FIFA member associations representing all six confederations.
The official opening ceremony of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival took place at Baku Crystal Hall on October 24. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, members of their family and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the ceremony.
Following the opening ceremony, the Azerbaijan national team faced Timor-Leste in a match that ended in a convincing 6-0 victory for the hosts.
The tournament and festival represent an initiative to promote youth football, encourage international sporting cooperation and provide young players with opportunities to experience a global football competition.
