Mr Blatter & Yellow Fever

Dear friends,

It is a great pleasure for me to greet you all on this very special occasion � the inaugural league match of the newly-formed Wellington Phoenix, the sole New Zealand representative in the Hyundai A-League!

It will truly be a historic night for everyone on hand as they will witness the birth of a new tradition. A tradition, one can safely say, that without a doubt would not have been possible without the generous support the dynamic Terry Serepisos, whose savvy decision to bring in FIFA World Cup veteran and current New Zealand head coach Ricki Herbert will no doubt pay dividends on the pitch.

I am happy about this development in Wellington because as you know, sport � and especially soccer � has the unique ability to use its unifying power as a platform to combat social ills and act as a universal �school of life�. It brings people together regardless of any differences of background, teaches us many important lessons and helps to promote the positive values associated with the game � sportsmanship, friendship, hope, emotion, solidarity and more. This is the true power of soccer, the embodiment of the spirit of Fair Play and the foundation of FIFA�s mission to �develop the Game, touch the world and build a better future�.

Thus, it is professional clubs such as the Wellington Phoenix � their players, coaches and supporters � that truly breathe life into the national character of the beautiful game in any given country. But it is far more than just structure, organisation and administration � it is built on the passion, effort and labour of every single person involved, from volunteers to marketing sponsors, team administration to fantastic supporter groups such as the Phoenix�s �Yellow Fever�.

Although I am unable to join you personally at this match, on behalf of FIFA and the entire worldwide soccer community, I would like to extend my very best regards to everyone in the stadium tonight � indeed to all fans of the beautiful game in New Zealand � and wish the Wellington Phoenix the best of luck in their inaugural season.

Have an enjoyable evening full of all the thrills, skills, emotion and excitement that only soccer can provide!

Joseph S. Blatter
FIFA President