W/Cup bidders make their pitch for 2010 in Grenada

ST GEORGE’S: The 24th CONCACAF Ordinary Congress will take place at the Grenada Trade Centre in St George’s, Grenada today and has attracted several huge international names. Delegates will be present from each of CONCACAF’s 40 member nations, along with invited guests from the global football family, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter. The Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the internationally acclaimed statesman and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, will also attend, to attend South Africa’s World Cup bid.

Immediately before the business of the XXIV Ordinary Congress, three African nations, Egypt, Morocco and South Africa will make presentations of their respective bids to host the FIFA World Cup 2010. The XXIV Ordinary CONCACAF Congress includes elections to positions on the respective Executive Committees of CONCACAF and FIFA.  Rafael Salguero of Guatemala (Vice-President-Central American Zone), Guillermo Caiedo of Mexico (Member — North American Zone) stand unopposed for re-election to the CONCACAF Executive Committee, while Captain Horace Burrell of Jamaica (Member — Caribbean Zone) seeks election also unopposed. CONCACAF President Jack Warner and General Secretary Chuck Blazer stand unopposed for another four-year term on the FIFA Executive Committee.

The 2004 Congress will also unveil a new CONCACAF logo that forms part of a new visual identity developed for the Confederation. The Congress weekend began on Friday evening with a welcome reception and dinner. Yesterday a Planning Workshop was held for National Associations organised by FIFA Development Officer Keith Look Loy. The CONCACAF Hall of Fame Dinner was scheduled for yesterday evening and saw the induction of Mavis Derflinger (USA) and Hubert Trump (ARU) as well as a special award to be granted to The Football Association. At the conclusion of the 2004 CONCACAF Congress, a Centennial Luncheon and Beach Party will be held celebrating 100 years of FIFA. That evening an international match will take place at the St. George’s National Stadium with Morocco facing a Caribbean All-Star team.