Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The FIFA/AFC Conference on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 kicked off in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
FIFA ExCo Member Dato’ Worawi Makudi officially opened the three-day conference on behalf of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter.
In his opening speech, Dato’ Worawi praised the 2011 Women’s World Cup which had produced new champions Japan, the first Asian team to win the championship.
“The 2011 World Cup had made it possible for new champions to take centre stage in women’s international football and it was also the first time that a team from Asia won the women’s World Cup,” he said.
“The fantastic edition of the competition was a huge success both in terms of its organisation and football.
"From a purely footballing experience, the teams played captivating, smart, polished football of a very high standard, giving spectacular sporting performances and displaying a range of playing styles.”
Dato’ Worawi said FIFA and its leadership will share the knowledge from Germany with all member associations.
“Building on these new experiences gained in Germany, FIFA and FIFA President are looking toward to passing on their knowledge to all member associations over the course of the next four years to continue developing women’s football,” he said.
“Coaches and Technical Directors have a crucial role to play in these areas both on and off the pitch.”
Dato’ Worawi believes the conference will be a great platform for knowledge and experience sharing among AFC member associations.
“This conference is an excellent opportunity to pass on to the AFC member associations the expertise acquired during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011 and will include an analysis of the performing teams’ performances, particularly the performances of Asian teams,” he said.
“It will also offer attendees a large platform for discussing the future of women’s football in Asia and the promotion of women’s football within the MAs.
“On behalf of the President of FIFA, I am proud to support this initiative organised in cooperation with the AFC, the aim of which is to strengthen women’s football in Asia and prepare for Canada 2015.”