Warner meets with Putin

MOSCOW, Russia,  CMC – FIFA Vice President Jack Warner met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at the Presidential Office on Tuesday in the Kremlin.

Putin invited Warner to Moscow since May this year, but had to decline the invitation due to his involvement in Trinidad & Tobago’s general elections.

The meeting saw discussions on a number of issues, including the FIFA World Cup and the changing global political landscape.

During the meeting, which lasted half-hour, Warner and Putin discussed the importance of sporting programmes to a nation’s development. “The development of sporting programmes in a country is intricately linked to the development of any nation, and governments must ensure that all avenues for youth development are fully explored,” said Warner.

While in Russia, Warner also met with Minister of Transport Igor Levin, and Minister of Sport Vitaly Mutko.

Mutko, who is also a member of the FIFA Executive Committee, outlined Russia’s plans if granted the rights to host the 2018 World Cup. “I am impressed by all I have seen from all bidding nations and I wish them all the best,” said Warner.

“Sport can only be used to encourage positive social transformation. The power of the beautiful game to unite the World is unrivalled and proven in all spheres. The energy created by South Africa 2010 consumed the World.

Warner said: “Football achieves what many geo-political agreements cannot. It can unite nations with a common purpose. At this time, we are not happy with all that has emerged over the past weeks.

“The committees have been given a mandate, and its best we give them the opportunity to do their jobs. We must always remember that football encourages hope, and we must be hopeful, let us not be deterred from the principles of this beautiful game – freedom, equality, equity and fair play.”

Following his meetings in Russia, Warner flew to Zurich to attend a special Executive Committee meeting.