Mauritius Hold FIFA 2013 Congress
Mauritius got put firmly on the international football map as FIFA held their annual congress in the country.
Online, June 28, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Mauritius beat larger nations such as Russia, Italy, Denmark, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates to hold the congress proving the countries place on the international football scene
The congress played host to around 1,200 delegates from around the world at the end of May, which has major implications for the country, not only did the conference bring attention to the island nation which will aid in boosting tourism, it also highlighted the footballing talent that Mauritius has to offer. The chairman of the MFA said "As Mauritius will host the congress, UEFA will also come up with plans for football in Mauritius."
Football is the most popular sport in Mauritius and was introduced to the island at the start of the 20th century by British settlers, and clubs sprang up all over the country and in the past decade a proper division was set up. In 2003 the country hosted the Indian Ocean Island Games at the islands George V Stadium and won the tournament
In the past Mauritius has been helped by FIFA by various schemes such as the Grassroots project which reaches out to young footballers, and now the country is happy to give something back by hosting the conference.
Mauritius has great ambition when it comes to football and hopes that by hosting the 63rd FIFA Congress its presence on the international football scene will be strengthened and Mauritius football will carry on being on the up.
The Congress decides on the acceptance of new national associations and holds elections, most notably for the FIFA presidency.
