OMM Newsroom
FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted about spending time with President Ilham Aliyev after the opening ceremony of the first boys’ Under-15 World Cup and festival in Baku.
In a post on his Instagram account, Infantino said he was pleased to watch the Azerbaijan national team’s opening match with the head of state. He said they discussed their love of football and the sport’s power to give people hope, bring smiles to faces, build bridges and foster lifelong friendships.
The FIFA president said support from Ilham Aliyev and his government had played a decisive role in bringing the tournament to Baku. He said they were proud to work together to give young talents representing 189 FIFA member associations the chance to pursue their dreams on the world stage.
In another post, Infantino praised the opening ceremony and thanked Ilham Aliyev, Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, the Azerbaijani government, AFFA President Rovshan Najaf, his colleagues at FIFA and everyone involved in organizing the competition. He noted that young players from all six confederations had come together for the tournament.
Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, members of their family and Gianni Infantino attended the opening ceremony at the Baku Crystal Hall on October 24. After the ceremony, Azerbaijan beat Timor-Leste 6-0.
