Jerome Champagne set to tour Rwanda

Fifa’s director for international relations Jerome Champagne is set to visit Rwanda in the near future.

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Fifa’s director for international relations Jerome Champagne is set to visit Rwanda in the near future.

The development was revealed by Ferwafa president Brig. Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura during a press conference recently.

Kazura revealed that the world football governing body’s official is set visit Rwanda and tour several Fifa sponsored projects.

However no date was given for the latter visit.
"Mr. Champagne will be visiting Rwanda in the future and he will hold discussions with us (Ferwafa) on how best Fifa can help Rwanda in improving its football,” Kazura said.

Recently Champagne announced a $70 million Fifa grant to improve African football while the continent prepares to host the 2010 World Cup finals.

The installation of artificial pitches, introduction of professional leagues and administration and training of coaches and doctors form part of the ‘Win with Africa in Africa’ initiative launched last year.

"There is a strong feeling that this World Cup should leave a legacy through out the African continent, not only for 2010 hosts South Africa,” Fifa’s director for international relations Jerome Champagne told reporters recently.

"We aim to create better facilities, increase management skills and access to football,” he added.

An artificial pitch is to be installed in all but one of Africa’s 53 member countries, the only exception being World Cup hosts South Africa.

The project also supports the development of national leagues, with training and equipment.

Champagne said similar projects had been launched in India, Oceania and the Caribbean.

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