In the course of the special governing body's Congress of the German Football Association (DFB) in the Leipzig opera Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel greeted the guests. "I am happy to be here. There is hardly a place more suitable than the city where the DFB has been founded. Leipzig has developed very well on a national and international level."
The Federal Chancellor appreciated the social and political importance of the DFB: "When thinking of football the most important topic is the upcoming World Cup. But football is more than that. Football forms our society deeply. Football has been on the right track for many years, for example when it comes to the integration of immigrants. The DFB's 6.2 million members do an unequalled job and show an unequalled engagement. The German Football Association encourages professionality and gives roots to young people and prevents them from loosing touch with reality. Thanks to the DFB for its engagement beyond the German borders. I would like to quote the 'Egidius-Braun-Stiftung' as an example."
When talking about women's football Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel could only say positive things: "Women's football has become a trade mark. We have an impressive list of successes. For example, there will be an all-German UEFA Cup final next year: The men have to work very hard for achieving the same." Additionally, Angela Merkel promised to support the DFB's application to host the Women's World Cup 2011, should the DFB consider an application.
Merkel: "DFB has reliable political partners"
"I would like to assure the DFB, that the political sector is a reliable partner for the sport. I will always have a sympathetic ear for you", the new chancellor added. "Concerning the World Cup we keep our fingers crossed and everybody will do his/her best, everyone in his/her own position."
After Merkel finished FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter greeted the guests. "In my position as FIFA President I am so proud to take part in this special Congress. Leipzig offers dignified surroundings for this event. Football unites people. Integration instead of exclusion is the greatest aim."
Concerning the World Cup 2006 Blatter emphasised the engagement of Franz Beckenbauer and Gerhard Schröder. "A 'K and K' affair: 'Kaiser' (nickname of Franz Beckenbauer) and 'Kanzler' (German for Chancellor) have laid the foundation on the way to the World Cup 2006. The world sees how the whole of Germany supports the World Cup. We look forward to the World Cup in Germany!"
UEFA President Lennart Johansson: "I have always felt close to the German football and at home in Germany. The co-operation between UEFA and DFB has always been excellent."
Mayer-Vorfelder: "2006 is important for German football"
Before DFB President Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder opened the governing body's special Congress at 11.18 am. At first the President greeted "the many friends that we have in the whole wide world and who have found the way to Leipzig today. We are very happy that we can welcome the Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel."
Additionally, Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder greeted former Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who "visited us quite often" and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, who "was always well-disposed towards us, in good as well as in bad times."
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[bild1]In the course of the special governing body's Congress of the German Football Association (DFB) in the Leipzig opera Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel greeted the guests. "I am happy to be here. There is hardly a place more suitable than the city where the DFB has been founded. Leipzig has developed very well on a national and international level."
The Federal Chancellor appreciated the social and political importance of the DFB: "When thinking of football the most important topic is the upcoming World Cup. But football is more than that. Football forms our society deeply. Football has been on the right track for many years, for example when it comes to the integration of immigrants. The DFB's 6.2 million members do an unequalled job and show an unequalled engagement. The German Football Association encourages professionality and gives roots to young people and prevents them from loosing touch with reality. Thanks to the DFB for its engagement beyond the German borders. I would like to quote the 'Egidius-Braun-Stiftung' as an example."
When talking about women's football Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel could only say positive things: "Women's football has become a trade mark. We have an impressive list of successes. For example, there will be an all-German UEFA Cup final next year: The men have to work very hard for achieving the same." Additionally, Angela Merkel promised to support the DFB's application to host the Women's World Cup 2011, should the DFB consider an application.
Merkel: "DFB has reliable political partners"
"I would like to assure the DFB, that the political sector is a reliable partner for the sport. I will always have a sympathetic ear for you", the new chancellor added. "Concerning the World Cup we keep our fingers crossed and everybody will do his/her best, everyone in his/her own position."
After Merkel finished FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter greeted the guests. "In my position as FIFA President I am so proud to take part in this special Congress. Leipzig offers dignified surroundings for this event. Football unites people. Integration instead of exclusion is the greatest aim."
Concerning the World Cup 2006 Blatter emphasised the engagement of Franz Beckenbauer and Gerhard Schröder. "A 'K and K' affair: 'Kaiser' (nickname of Franz Beckenbauer) and 'Kanzler' (German for Chancellor) have laid the foundation on the way to the World Cup 2006. The world sees how the whole of Germany supports the World Cup. We look forward to the World Cup in Germany!"
UEFA President Lennart Johansson: "I have always felt close to the German football and at home in Germany. The co-operation between UEFA and DFB has always been excellent."
Mayer-Vorfelder: "2006 is important for German football"
Before DFB President Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder opened the governing body's special Congress at 11.18 am. At first the President greeted "the many friends that we have in the whole wide world and who have found the way to Leipzig today. We are very happy that we can welcome the Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel."
Additionally, Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder greeted former Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, who "visited us quite often" and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, who "was always well-disposed towards us, in good as well as in bad times."
